DETROIT – A busy Detroit roadway is becoming increasingly dangerous as speeding and reckless driving contribute to a string of fatal crashes.
Gratiot Avenue on the city’s east side has become a well-known hot spot.
Police say that in a single week, they investigated three deadly crashes — two of them on Gratiot — prompting stepped-up enforcement along the corridor.
Detroit police launched a traffic enforcement operation along Gratiot Avenue on Tuesday (Sept. 9), deploying patrols to crack down on speeding, reckless driving, and other violations.
“It is a very hot spot in the City of Detroit for accidents,” said Capt. Sederick Dunbar of the Detroit Police Department. “The traffic stops aren’t just for issuing tickets, it’s for educating drivers and changing driving behavior.”
Officers used speed-measuring equipment to spot and stop drivers exceeding the limit, conducting traffic stops throughout the day.
Neighbors watched as patrol cars slowed traffic and pulled vehicles over.
Among the recent collisions was a deadly weekend crash in which a speeding SUV struck a newly opened Coney Island while customers were dining.
One person was killed, and the small business has since been closed and boarded up.
Longtime resident Roderick Dawson, who has lived in the neighborhood for 45 years and often bikes in the area, said he’s had close calls with motorists on Gratiot.
“They speed around here all the time,” Dawson said. “Bad! That’s all they do is speed all around here.”
Police say the enforcement operations are not solely punitive. Officers hope that visible stops and education will change driving behaviors that put people at risk.
In related operations across the city, Detroit police issued more than 300 traffic tickets last week during two enforcement campaigns along 8 Mile Road and Davison Avenue.
Other corridors the department is actively monitoring for speeding include Greenfield, Grand River, 7 Mile Road, and 6 Mile Road.
Capt. Dunbar urged drivers to slow down and remain aware of pedestrians and other motorists.
“Our message is simple — slow down,” he said. “We’re continuing to hit hot spots for speeding here and across the city.”
Police said they will maintain targeted patrols and enforcement as they work to reduce the frequency of serious crashes across Detroit.
If you witness dangerous driving or an emergency, contact Detroit Police or call 911.