In 2021, the City of Detroit proposed a network of ‘slow streets’ in neighborhoods to enhance safety and allow residents to better enjoy local amenities such as parks and schools.
Analysis of the city’s crash dataset, a filtered version of SEMCOG’s ten year crash data going from 2014 to 2023, indicates little improvement in either the frequency or severity of crashes. Even after the decline of the COVID-associated spike, crash levels remain above previous lows. The chart below highlights crashes specifically along the proposed Slow Streets Network.
A note on the dataset visualized in this article: For this analysis, any crash occurring within a 5-meter radius of a slow street segment is included. Some crashes may be recorded on adjacent streets, but we consider them relevant since safety interventions should also address intersections
The proposed Slow Streets Network consists of 945 road segments, which may be full streets, partial streets, or combinations of multiple streets. This network has a mix of spaces that have had crashes in the period between 2014 and 2023 and spaces that haven’t had a crash in that ten year period.
Overlaying crash data on the network reveals hotspots where targeted interventions could significantly improve safety for all users.
Spaces like this one by Rouge Park are one of several that stand out in the number of crashes, injuries, and severe injuries. It has 50 crashes over the ten year period, 2 fatalities, and 3 serious injury crashes.
| Martin street as it crosses I-94 and Michigan Avenue. This street connects or is near to at least three parks, two schools, three churches, and a public library. 97 Crashes1 Fatality3 Serious Injuries |  |
| Omira Street and part of 7-Mile alongside I-75. This is near Pingree Farms, a popular location for families and schools to visit an urban farm. 112 Crashes5 serious Injuries |  |
I hope that by visualizing and sharing the data, we can see these areas with the higher numbers of crashes and injuries get more immediate and direct investment to make them safer and less crash-prone.
You can view these data sets on DetroitData:
DETROITography 