Roundabouts are popping up all over Michigan and Lansing is no exception. City planners say they improve traffic flow and reduce serious injuries, but ask around and you’ll hear something different: “People don’t know how to use them.” From near-misses to rear-end collisions, many drivers in Lansing feel more anxious entering a roundabout than any traditional intersection.
So what’s the truth? Are roundabouts making Lansing’s roads safer, or are they creating new crash hotspots?
In this article, we’ll break down the most accident-prone roundabouts in the Lansing area, look at crash statistics, and explain why so many drivers still struggle with these circular intersections. If you’ve been injured in a roundabout crash in Michigan, we’ll also explain what to do next and how to protect your right to compensation.
The Rise of Roundabouts in Lansing and Across Michigan
Roundabouts may feel like a recent trend, but Michigan has been building them for over two decades. The state’s first modern roundabout was installed in 1999 by the Oakland County Road Commission. Since then, roundabouts have spread rapidly across Michigan’s roadways including throughout the Lansing area.
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), there are now over 100 roundabouts statewide, and the number continues to grow. Lansing alone is home to at least 11 roundabouts, with more planned in high-traffic zones to replace traditional intersections.
The goal? Reduce severe crashes and improve traffic flow. When designed properly and installed in the right locations, roundabouts can minimize head-on and T-bone collisions, two of the deadliest crash types. But while the statistics are promising, the transition hasn’t been seamless. Many local drivers still find roundabouts confusing especially when navigating multiple lanes, unclear signage, or high-speed entries.
And that confusion? It often leads to accidents.
Are Roundabouts Safer or More Confusing? Here’s What the Data Says
Michigan didn’t start building roundabouts without doing its homework. According to MDOT, replacing traditional intersections especially two-way stops and traffic signals with roundabouts has led to a dramatic drop in severe crashes across the state.
When roundabouts are used to replace stop-sign intersections, studies show they can reduce injury crashes by as much as 82%. Even when replacing traffic lights, roundabouts still lower the risk of serious injury by nearly 78%. That’s a major public safety gain especially in areas known for high crash rates.
| 🚦 Intersection Type Replaced | 🔽 Crash Reduction Rate | 📊 Data Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Way Stop | Up to 82% | MDOT |
| Traffic Signal | Up to 78% | MDOT |
So why are roundabouts still so controversial?
One reason is driver error. Many motorists don’t know how to use roundabouts correctly…..failing to yield, changing lanes mid-circle, or stopping abruptly. And when mistakes happen in a compact, constantly moving traffic environment, even low-speed crashes can cause injuries, confusion, and insurance disputes.
The bottom line? Roundabouts can improve safety, but only when drivers understand how to navigate them and not every roundabout in Michigan is designed perfectly. In fact, some are already being redesigned due to high crash volume, like the double roundabout in Brighton that’s undergoing a $1 million rework.
Where Are Lansing’s Roundabouts? A Look at Local Intersections
Lansing’s growing network of roundabouts can be found in residential neighborhoods, downtown corridors, and high-traffic retail areas. Some drivers barely notice them and others avoid them entirely. But whether you’re headed to work, the store, or picking up your kids from school, chances are you’ll encounter at least one.
Below is a list of known roundabouts in the Lansing area, including several clustered along W. Barnes Ave and Moores River Dr., as well as those near major destinations like McLaren Greater Lansing, Eastwood Towne Centre, and the Capitol.
| 🛑 Intersection | 🏙️ Area/Notes |
|---|---|
| Collins Rd. & Forest Rd. | Near McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital |
| Moores River Dr. & Pattengill Ave. | Moores Park neighborhood |
| Moores River Dr. & Beal Ave. | Residential zone along river corridor |
| W. Barnes Ave. & Beal Ave. | Part of a multi-roundabout cluster |
| W. Barnes Ave. & Coleman Ave. | Clustered near Beal and Davis intersections |
| W. Barnes Ave. & Davis Ave. | Moores Park loop area |
| Harding Ave. & Pershing Dr. | Near Mt. Hope Elementary |
| Washington Sq. & E. Michigan Ave. | Just east of the Capitol in downtown Lansing |
| Wood St. & Sams Way | Behind Sam’s Club in Eastwood Towne Centre |
| Lake Lansing Rd. & Chamberlain Dr. | High-traffic retail area |
| N. Canal Rd. & W. Willow Hwy. | West Lansing near Grand Ledge border |
These roundabouts range from low-speed neighborhood loops to high-volume intersections and not all are equally safe.
Which Roundabouts Near Lansing See the Most Crashes?
While roundabouts are generally safer than traditional intersections, some still experience a significant number of crashes especially in busy corridors or areas with poor signage or driver confusion. Lansing isn’t immune to these issues.
In 2017, several roundabouts in and around the city were identified as local crash hotspots, with intersections along Lake Lansing Rd., Marsh Rd., and Park Lake Rd. seeing the most incidents. These crashes often involved failure to yield, sudden stops, and improper lane use.
| 📍 Location | 💥 Crashes (2017 Data) |
|---|---|
| Lake Lansing Rd. & Chamberlain Dr. | 7 |
| Park Lake Rd. & Burcham Dr. | 7 |
| Marsh Rd. & Hamilton Rd. | 6 |
| N Canal Rd. & Willow Hwy. | 6 |
| Lake Lansing Rd. & Wood St. | 5 |
| Lansing Capital Airport (internal roads) | 5 |
| Hulett Rd. & Bennett Rd. | 3 |
While these numbers may not rank among Michigan’s worst (like those in Commerce Township or Sterling Heights), they still show that driver confusion and high traffic volume can turn even a well-designed roundabout into a frequent crash site.
Why Roundabout Accidents Happen: Driver Errors Explained
Despite being engineered for safety, roundabouts rely heavily on driver behavior and that’s where problems often begin. Many crashes in Lansing’s roundabouts aren’t due to poor road design, but rather to common driver mistakes made under pressure or out of confusion.
Here are some of the most frequent causes of roundabout collisions:
- Failure to Yield: Entering traffic must yield to vehicles already in the circle, but many drivers either forget or misjudge the gap.
- Improper Lane Use: Drivers sometimes enter the wrong lane, exit from the inner circle without signaling, or switch lanes inside the roundabout often leading to sideswipes or cutoffs.
- Sudden Stops: A driver unsure of what to do may brake abruptly, increasing the risk of rear-end crashes, especially in multi-lane roundabouts.
- Speeding: Roundabouts are designed to slow traffic, but some drivers approach too fast, miss cues, or miscalculate other vehicles’ speeds.
- Wrong-Way Entry: Though rare, some drivers, especially those unfamiliar with roundabouts, have been known to enter in the wrong direction, creating an extremely dangerous situation.
These errors are amplified during rush hour or in roundabouts with poor signage or limited visibility, exactly the kind of conditions found at some of Lansing’s busiest intersections.
Tips for Navigating Roundabouts Safely in Lansing
Roundabouts can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with them or encounter one in heavy traffic. But with a little knowledge and preparation, they’re easy to navigate and much safer than they seem. Here are proven tips from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to help you avoid crashes and navigate Lansing’s roundabouts with confidence:
- Slow Down Before Entering: Approach the roundabout at a reduced speed so you have time to yield and react to other drivers.
- Choose the Correct Lane Early: Use lane markings and overhead signs before entering. Left lanes are typically for going left or straight; right lanes for right turns or straight.
- Yield to Traffic in the Roundabout: Always yield to vehicles already circulating from your left. Wait for a safe gap before entering.
- Watch for Pedestrians and Bicyclists: Yield at crosswalks and exits especially in busy areas like downtown Lansing or near schools.
- Do Not Change Lanes Inside the Circle: Stay in your lane until you’re ready to exit.
- Signal Before Exiting: Let others know your intention so they can anticipate your movement and avoid conflict.
- Never Stop Inside the Roundabout: Keep moving unless traffic ahead requires you to yield.
Whether you’re at Lake Lansing & Chamberlain or navigating the tight circle downtown at Washington Square, following these rules can prevent collisions and confusion.
What to Do After a Roundabout Crash in Lansing
Even minor roundabout crashes can be complicated. Fault is often disputed, especially when drivers blame each other for failing to yield or making unsafe lane changes. If you’re involved in a roundabout accident in Lansing, taking the right steps early on can make or break your case.
Here’s what to do to protect yourself legally and medically:
| 📍 Step | ⏱️ When to Do It | ✅ Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 🚧 Move to a safe area | Immediately | Prevents secondary collisions in a high-traffic zone |
| 📞 Call 911 | Right away | Ensures an official crash report is filed |
| 📸 Take photos/video | At the scene | Documents vehicle positions, damage, signage, road layout |
| 🩺 Seek medical attention | Same day | Establishes injury record—even if pain seems minor |
| 👥 Collect witness info | At the scene | Neutral accounts can support your version of events |
| 🧾 Request the police report | Within a few days | Key document for insurance and legal claims |
| ⚖️ Speak with an attorney | As soon as possible | Protects your rights and strengthens your claim |
Whether the crash occurred near a busy commercial area like Eastwood Towne Centre or a neighborhood street like W. Barnes Ave., it’s essential to document everything. Insurance companies may try to shift blame, especially in roundabouts.
Talk to a Lansing Car Accident Lawyer About Your Roundabout Crash
If you’ve been injured in a roundabout accident in Lansing, you’re not alone. These intersections are designed for safety, but confusion, poor signage, and driver error still lead to preventable crashes. And when injuries happen, insurance companies are quick to shift blame or downplay your claim.
At The Clark Law Office, we’ve been helping Lansing residents navigate personal injury claims for decades. We understand Michigan’s complex no-fault system, how fault is determined in roundabout crashes, and what it takes to win tough cases. You don’t have to face this process alone. We’ll deal with the paperwork, evidence, and negotiations, so you can focus on getting better. 📞 Contact our car accident attorneys in Lansing for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roundabout Accidents in Lansing
Are roundabouts safer than traditional intersections in Lansing?
Yes—MDOT data shows roundabouts reduce severe crashes by up to 78%. However, they still cause confusion and minor collisions, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with the rules.
Who is at fault in a Lansing roundabout crash?
Fault usually falls on the driver who failed to yield or used the wrong lane. In Michigan, comparative negligence laws apply, so both drivers can share fault.
What should I do if I’m hit in a Lansing roundabout?
Move to a safe location, call 911, document the scene, get medical care, and contact a local accident attorney as soon as possible.
Where are the most crash-prone roundabouts in Lansing?
Intersections like Lake Lansing Rd. & Chamberlain Dr., Marsh Rd. & Hamilton, and Park Lake Rd. & Burcham have reported multiple crashes in recent years.
Can I file a lawsuit after a roundabout accident in Lansing?
Yes—if you suffered serious injuries, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit to recover pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost income.
