BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Police in Bloomfield Township are voicing concerns after five serious crashes over the past 10 days have led to two deaths and several injuries.
The department says these recent crashes serve as a reminder that traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility.
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As summer arrives and more residents spend time outdoors, the department has had emerging traffic safety concerns throughout the township, police said.
Police want to remind residents that “behind every crash is a victim, a family, friends, and a community.”
What police are doing and what you need to know
Neighborhood Cut-Through Traffic
Police say residents continue to report an increase in cut-through traffic as map services direct drivers through neighborhoods to avoid congestion on major streets.
Police cannot restrict use of residential roads, but going forward are now targeting speeding, stop sign violations, distracted driving, and reckless driving.
E-Bikes and Electric Scooters
Police report an increase in complaints involving e-bikes and electric scooters being operated on sidewalks, pathways, and other pedestrian areas.
Although these devices provide recreation and transportation, operators must properly share spaces with walkers, runners, families with strollers, and seniors.
Excessive speed, weaving through pedestrians, and failing to yield create situations that can lead to serious injuries.
The department asks parents and riders to know the laws for these devices, respect others using public spaces, and drive them safely and responsibly.
Partnerships and next steps
The Bloomfield Township Police Department is deploying additional patrol officers and increasing traffic enforcement in both residential neighborhoods and major travel areas.
Officers will conduct enforcement and educational contacts regarding unsafe bicycle and scooter operations.
The department has partnered with our law enforcement colleagues throughout the Woodward Corridor.
Police will focus on prevention.
The department says every traffic stop and enforcement action is an opportunity to educate, prevent a crash, an injury, or a life lost.
“What would your mom—or a loved one—say if they saw you driving like that?” said Chief Gallagher.
Police ask you slow down, put the phone away and follow the rules of the road.
The township wants to aims to increase safety through awareness, education, and enforcement.