In Macomb County, Michigan, a crash that led to property damage has left homeowners deeply worried about their safety. This incident occurred when a 17-year-old driver was speeding on Saturday (Dec. 14) and lost control of their vehicle, resulting in it traveling off M-53 and causing damage to four backyards. Homeowners in Washington Township have reached out to ClickOnDetroit's Help Desk, expressing their frustration.

MDOT's Response and Criteria

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) denied the homeowners' request for a wall or other large barrier to be built off M-53. According to a spokesperson from MDOT, their engineering decision is based on the roads being designed with a 34-foot 'clear zone' within the 'right-of-way' (ROW), which allows a driver to'recover' if they lose control, assuming an appropriate speed is being driven. This explanation disappointed the neighbors who felt that their concerns were not adequately addressed.MDOT recognizes the neighbors' concerns and a traffic study is currently underway. However, it will take some time to obtain the results. The spokesperson also emphasized that MDOT cannot design for all possible mistakes or human error that could occur on a roadway, including excessive speed.

Homeowners' Fears and Actions

Homeowner Lyndsey Carpenter is particularly concerned about her kids' safety when they play in the backyard. She mentioned that they had planted trees but the car took them out when it came through. Despite their efforts, it seems that these measures were not enough. Carpenter sent a request to MDOT asking for a barrier like a wall to be built, but her request was denied.Neighbors were disappointed by the quick dismissal of their request. They called on Washington Township officials who came to the scene and agreed that something needed to be done. MDOT stated that the neighbors are welcome to build their own barrier at their own expense.

Impact on the Community

This crash has not only affected the individual homeowners but also the entire community. It has raised awareness about the importance of road safety and the need for proper measures to prevent such incidents from happening again. The incident serves as a reminder that even small mistakes on the road can have significant consequences.Local residents are now closely following the progress of the traffic study and hoping for a solution that will provide them with the peace of mind they deserve. The community is coming together to discuss possible ways to address the issue and ensure the safety of everyone.