Locke Twp, MI — July 1, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 4:00 P.M. on Perry Road.

According to reports, a vehicle operated by Brandon Teal was turning onto Haslett Road from Perry Road when it was struck by a vehicle, resulting in significant damage to both vehicles.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Teal had sustained fatal injuries and he was pronounced deceased. No other injuries were reported, and officials have not released an update on the status of the investigation.

Commentary

Crashes at intersections often unfold in a matter of seconds, but understanding what really happened takes far longer—and a lot more effort. It’s not enough to know that two vehicles collided during a turn; the deeper question is whether everything that could have prevented the collision was working as it should.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?

When one vehicle is turning and another collides with it, the entire outcome depends on timing, speed, and driver behavior. Reconstructing that chain of events means more than writing down where each vehicle ended up. Investigators need to analyze approach angles, braking patterns, and line-of-sight conditions. That kind of detail usually requires advanced crash reconstruction techniques—tools not every agency brings to every scene. If the investigation stopped at the basics, key information may be missing.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?

Crashes during turning maneuvers often get framed as timing errors, but what if one vehicle didn’t respond the way the driver intended? Brake failures, unresponsive acceleration, or sensor issues in either car could have contributed. If one of the vehicles didn’t slow down or accelerate properly, that could change everything about how the crash is understood. Mechanical systems need to be checked carefully, not just visually but through hands-on diagnostics.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?

Vehicle systems record critical data that can confirm whether brakes were applied, how fast the vehicles were moving, and what inputs each driver made in those last few seconds. That information is often stored in modules that must be preserved quickly before damage or data loss sets in. Investigators should also be reviewing GPS data and any relevant phone activity to rule out distraction or confirm travel paths. Without this digital layer, conclusions risk being incomplete.

As investigations like this continue, what matters most is that every angle gets a fair look—not just the obvious ones. The only way to move forward with clarity is by being thorough from the very beginning.

• Intersection crashes demand detailed reconstruction to understand timing and driver actions.
• Vehicle malfunctions should be investigated as potential contributing factors, not assumed away.
• Electronic data from both vehicles could hold the key to understanding exactly how the crash unfolded.