DETROIT – There were two serious crashes within 26 hours on Gratiot Avenue near Van Dyke this weekend. Speed played a factor in both of them.
On Friday night, a Ford Taurus was trying to make a left when it was crushed by a speeding Ford Focus at Beaufait Street. On Sunday, just after 12 a.m., an Oldsmobile 88 was hit so hard from behind by a Chevrolet Cavalier at Van Dyke that the two women riding in the backseat were ejected.
Is this a problem area, or is this just a coincidence?
"It's a coincidence. I don't think it's dangerous, but I only come out during the day," said Esther Walton, who lives near Gratiot Avenue.
Robert Jackson points to the width of the road. He's a lifelong east-sider who said Gratiot Avenue is seven lanes for a reason with downtown in the distance. It requires heightened awareness by drivers.
"You have to be aware. There are some dangerous spots," said Jackson.
What does Gratiot Avenue need to be safer?
"Gratiot needs a light in between Van Dyke and the Boulevard," said Uriah Kimbrough, who works at a business on Gratiot Avenue. "People get up too much speed through here and I've seen lots of accidents."
Detroit police are increasing patrols in the area and targeting speeders.
The city of Detroit recently fixed the street lights near Gratiot Avenue and Van Dyke. People who frequent the area said that made it much easier to cross the street. Before there were working lights, they said it was double-trouble out there.