A roundabout in Sterling Heights saw more crashes than any other intersection in Michigan in 2025, according to new state police data. The report pinpoints where drivers are most likely to get into collisions.
The intersection with the most crashes in Michigan last year wasn't a highway or a busy city street-it was a roundabout in Sterling Heights. Data from Michigan Auto Law shows that the roundabout at 18 1/2 Mile and Van Dyke Avenue had 210 reported crashes and 12 injuries in 2025. That's a 29.6% jump from 2024, when the same spot saw 162 crashes and 12 injuries. Michigan Auto Law
Michigan Auto Law's analysis uses Michigan State Police data and counts all crashes within 200 feet of an intersection. This includes roundabouts, four-way stops, and intersections with traffic signals. Local agencies like the City of Sterling Heights and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) use the same approach for their own safety reviews.
How the rankings are set
The 2025 report, released Wednesday, notes that while the Sterling Heights roundabout had the most crashes, there were no fatal or serious-injury crashes there from 2019 through 2025, according to city engineering records. This matches findings from municipal audits and MDOT's safety goals. The City of Sterling Heights, which has a council-manager government, has made intersection safety a focus in its annual transportation plans, as shown in recent City Council meeting minutes.
City Engineer Brent Bashaw said the roundabout, managed with MDOT, handles heavy traffic. Most crashes are minor and involve property damage. The lack of severe injuries fits the main goal of roundabouts: to cut down on high-speed, head-on, and T-bone crashes that are more likely to cause serious harm. The State of Michigan's Office of Highway Safety Planning, which works with local governments on intersection reviews, has found similar results.
Other intersections with high crash rates
The report lists other intersections with high numbers of crashes. The intersection of the I-696 service drive/11 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue in Warren and Center Line ranked second, with 180 crashes, one death, and 33 injuries. Telegraph and 12 Mile roads in Southfield came next, with 121 crashes and 28 injuries. Other roundabouts and intersections in Farmington Hills, Commerce Township, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids also made the top 20, each with dozens or more crashes in 2025. Farmington Hills, which has its own city council and is served by Farmington Public Schools, continues to track intersection safety in its annual reports.
Some intersections changed places on the list compared to last year. The roundabout at Martin Parkway and North Pontiac Trail in Commerce Township saw a 29.1% drop in crashes. Meanwhile, the intersection at Telegraph and Maple roads in Bloomfield Township had a sharp rise in both crashes and injuries. Oakland County's Road Commission reviews these trends at public meetings and safety forums.
How cities are responding
Sterling Heights officials say they are working to improve traffic safety. As part of its Vision Zero plan to eliminate fatal and serious-injury crashes, the city plans to hire a traffic engineer focused on crash analysis and safety improvements. The city's review of crash data supports the idea that roundabouts, while they may see more minor collisions, help prevent the most dangerous types of crashes. Residents can find updates on these efforts on the city's website and through public safety announcements.
Steve Gursten, president of Michigan Auto Law, said that even crashes without injuries can disrupt lives. He urged drivers to slow down and pay attention, especially at intersections with a history of frequent crashes. The firm's annual list is meant to raise awareness and encourage safer driving. Local police, including the Sterling Heights Police Department and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, continue targeted enforcement and education at high-risk intersections.
Why intersection safety matters
Intersection safety is a major concern for Michigan communities, especially as traffic grows in the suburbs. The annual rankings give a clear look at where drivers face the most risk and help local and state agencies decide where to focus safety improvements. While the Sterling Heights roundabout leads in total crashes, the lack of severe injuries there shows the trade-offs in intersection design. For drivers and residents, the findings are a reminder to stay alert at busy crossings, especially those with a record of frequent collisions. Community members can find more safety resources and join local discussions through the Oakland County Road Commission and their city websites.
