January 4, 2017 - The Midland Police Department Traffic Safety Team, in collaboration with the patrol division, will be focusing on moving violations that occur at or near the top five highest traffic crash intersections for the month of January.
Statistics show that during the entire year of 2016, there were 1,367 total crashes reported in the City of Midland. Out of those crashes, 196 injuries were reported. The majority of the crashes at intersections are people rear-ending drivers in front of them because drivers are not paying attention. With the winter months here, this is a good time to be extra cautious when approaching intersections. Please take into account the road conditions when trying to measure the proper amount of distance needed to slow down or when coming to a stop at an intersection. Snow covered roads require a greater distance to bring your vehicle to a stop. Therefore speeds that you would typically drive on a clear road may lead to crashes during wintery conditions.
The focus of this campaign is to raise awareness at intersections and to reduce the amount of intersection related crashes.
The top five highest crash intersections which officers will be patrolling for this campaign are as follows-
1. Eastman Ave. and W. Wackerly Rd.: 42 crashes
2. Eastman Ave. and N. Saginaw Rd.: 26 crashes
3. Buttles St. and Jerome St.: 25 crashes
4. E. Patrick Rd. and S. Saginaw Rd.: 21 crashes
5. Eastman Ave. and Airport Rd.: 21 crashes
Any questions can be directed to Community Relations Sergeant Chris Wenzell at 989-839-4704 or cwenzell@midland-mi.org.