WOODWARD, Detroit County, MI, Sept. 24, 2026 — A motorcycle crash shut down westbound I-696 at I-75 near Woodward early Wednesday morning, September 23, according to Michigan State Police. The freeway has since reopened.
Troopers closed the westbound lanes near Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak while they investigated, according to Michigan State Police. Drivers were routed off at Woodward Avenue during the closure, and ramps from both northbound and southbound I-75 to westbound I-696 were also shut down for a time, MSP said.
The condition of the motorcyclist has not been released. Details on how the crash happened have not been made public either, and MSP has not said whether other vehicles were involved.
Michigan State Police asked drivers to avoid the area and use an alternate route while troopers worked the scene, and urged motorists to slow down and give first responders room. The investigation remains active, and further details had not been released as of Wednesday.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Why a Motorcycle Crash Can Do More Damage Than a Typical Car Crash
A motorcycle has no frame around the rider, so there is nothing to absorb a hit before it reaches the person on board. In a car-to-car crash, crumple zones and door panels take much of the impact. On a motorcycle, that structure does not exist, so the difference in speed between the bike and whatever it strikes matters more than in most collisions.
Drivers that merge or change lanes near a motorcycle may misjudge closing speed because a smaller vehicle is harder to place accurately at a distance. A driver may believe a motorcycle is farther away or moving slower than it actually is, and that misjudgment can turn a routine lane change into a collision. The weight gap between a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle or truck also means the smaller vehicle absorbs most of the force in any impact.
Helmets, jackets and other gear can reduce injury, but they cannot substitute for the frame and safety cage that surround occupants of a car or truck. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. That toll reflects how little separates a rider from the road and from other vehicles compared to someone traveling inside a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a rider do immediately after a motorcycle crash?
Move to a safe location if possible, call 911, and avoid removing a helmet unless it is necessary for breathing. Get a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some, like internal injuries or concussions, are not obvious right away.
Are motorcycle crashes more likely to happen at intersections?
Yes. Many motorcycle collisions occur at intersections because a driver turning or merging fails to see the motorcycle or misjudges its speed and distance.
Does road surface affect motorcycle safety?
Yes. Wet pavement, gravel, potholes and lane markings can affect a motorcycle's traction far more than they affect a car, since a bike relies on two narrow contact points with the road.
What gear reduces injury risk for riders?
A DOT-approved helmet, a reinforced jacket, gloves and over-the-ankle boots are widely recommended. Helmets in particular reduce the risk of fatal head injury.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Royal Oak, MI
If you or someone you know is involved in a motorcycle crash in Royal Oak, prioritize getting checked by a medical professional, even if you feel fine at the scene. Request a copy of the police report once it's available, and take photos of the scene, your gear and any vehicle damage if you're able to safely do so. Keep track of any communication with insurance companies, and give yourself time to process what happened. These crashes can be disorienting, and taking things one step at a time helps.
