News Summary
Detroit is commemorating its first fatal car accident that occurred over a century ago, highlighting the ongoing issue of traffic safety in the city. Despite advancements in traffic laws and infrastructure, Michigan continues to experience a high number of traffic fatalities and accidents. Recent incidents in Detroit further underscore the urgent need for responsible driving and enhanced public safety measures. As the city remembers its tragic past, efforts to improve road conditions and reduce accidents remain a priority for local authorities.
Detroit is remembering its first fatal car accident as a century of road tragedies unfolds. On September 2, 1902, George William Bissell, an 81-year-old prominent businessman and shipowner, lost his life when his horse-drawn carriage was struck by a motor vehicle on Brooklyn Avenue. Despite the advancements in roadway safety since that day, traffic fatalities continue to pose a significant concern in the city and across the state.
The incident occurred at approximately 9 a.m. when Bissell’s carriage was hit, throwing him onto the street. He was transported to Harper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:15 a.m. Tragically, there is no record of the driver responsible for the collision, marking the start of Detroit’s somber history of traffic incidents.
Since 1902, Detroit has made significant improvements to its roadway and traffic laws to enhance public safety. Notable milestones include the paving of Woodward Avenue, recognized as the first paved road in the United States in 1909, with full pavement completed in 1916. Additionally, in 1920, Officer William Potts introduced the first three-color, four-way traffic light in Detroit, a milestone that transformed traffic management in urban areas.
Despite these advancements, the state of Michigan continues to grapple with traffic-related incidents. In 2024, the Michigan State Police reported over 288,000 total crashes, leading to 1,099 fatalities throughout the year. This statistic underlines the ongoing need for responsible driving and adherence to traffic laws across all roadways.
Recent Traffic Incidents in Detroit
Additionally, on the same day, an accident involving a motorcycle and car took place in Pontiac, approximately at 5 p.m. A 31-year-old motorcyclist was critically injured when a 2018 Buick Regal collided with his 2005 Suzuki GSX motorcycle at the intersection of Huron Street and Chippewa Street. He was transported to McLaren Oakland Hospital for treatment. The car driver, aged 54, suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.
Tragic Traffic Fatalities
Another grave incident occurred just days earlier on August 29, 2025, in Pontiac, resulting in the tragic deaths of a mother and her two young sons aged 6 and 4. A 9-year-old daughter is currently in critical condition following the accident, which involved a 21-year-old driver of a Honda Civic who veered into oncoming traffic and collided with multiple poles before striking a Chevrolet Malibu that was stopped at a red light. The mother and her sons were pronounced dead at the scene, while investigations are underway to determine if drugs or alcohol played a role in the driver’s actions.
A GoFundMe page has been created to assist with funeral expenses and to support the surviving daughter, having raised over $25,000 thus far in community contributions.
Police Activity and Public Safety
On August 28, 2025, administrators charged four suspects after a police chase in Rochester Hills. The suspects were reportedly attempting to break into parked vehicles when they fled from authorities, culminating in a crash near Livernois and Avon roads. The police utilized drones and K-9 units to successfully apprehend the suspects, who now face multiple charges with a court appearance scheduled for September 8.
As Detroit reflects on the century of traffic tragedies, the call for enhanced public safety and responsible driving practices remains critical. With ongoing efforts to improve road conditions and law enforcement visibility, the hope for safer roadways in the future is paramount.
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Additional Resources
- Click On Detroit: 2 Injured in Crash on I-94
- Wikipedia: Traffic Accidents
- CBS News: Motorcycle Rider and Car Driver Injured in Crash
- Google Search: Traffic Safety
- Deadline Detroit: Tragic Pontiac Car Crash
- Google Scholar: Traffic Accidents Michigan
- Fox 2 Detroit: Stolen Car Suspects Charged After Chase
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Michigan Legal Center: Injury in Detroit Car Accident
- Google News: Traffic Laws Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
