Michigan Traffic Deaths Up 10 Percent for Second Straight Year

by | Aug 22, 2017 | Car Accidents | 0 comments

New information released from the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center shows an increase of 10 percent in traffic deaths for the second year. In 2015, there were 963 deaths compared to 1062 in 2016. Another report from the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) shows that the last time traffic fatalities in Michigan went beyond 1000 was in 2007

In 2016 injuries, crashes and serious injuries also increased as follows:

  • Serious injuries: 4,865 in 2015 to 5,634 in 2016, up 16 percent
  • Crashes: 297,023 in 2015 to 312,172 in 2016, up 5 percent
  • Injuries: 74,157 in 2015 to 79,724 in 2016, up 8 percent.

The OHSP statistics for the second year have demonstrated a 10 percent increase in traffic crash fatalities in Michigan. OHSP also pointed out positive progress in other areas:

  • A 7 percent reduction of the involvement of young drivers aged between 16-20 in deaths, from 158 in the previous year to 147 in 2016
  • An 11 percent decline in alcohol linked deaths, from 303 the previous year to 271 in the following year-2016

In a new release, Michael L. Prince, the director of OHSP said that some new trends were emerging particularly with regard to traffic deaths from drug impairment. He added that OHSP was going on with federal funding throughout the year for impaired driving traffic patrols so that more resources are allocated to train law enforcement officers in detecting drug-impaired drivers. Additionally, he gave reassurance that planning was underway to deploy freshly identified federal funds to assist in addressing fatalities and crashes of pedestrians and bicyclist.

Their core activities targeted the increased use of seat belts, but he added that lowering impaired driving would remain important as always. OHSP states that cheaper gas prices have led to increased miles covered and also believes that an improved economy also contributed. Other factors noted in the data by OHSP include:

  • Decrease of pedestrian deaths by 3 percent, from 170 in 2015 to 165 in 2016.
  • Increase of drug- associated fatalities by 32 percent, from 179 in 2015 to 236 in 2016.
  • More fatalities for bicyclists by 15 percent, up from 2015’s 33 to 2016’s 38
  • Motorcyclist deaths rising from 2015’s 138 to 2016’s 141 up by 2 percent.
  • Fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles rose from 2015’s 85 to 2016’s 120.

Car accidents are happening at a higher rate in Michigan, making the roads all the more dangerous to commute on. If you are injured in a Michigan car accident, speak to an experienced car accident attorney with MIchigan Legal Center. Our attorneys have keen knowledge of Michigan law that they can use to help win your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Portage, MI – Woman Killed in Pedestrian Crash on Willowcreek Rd

Portage, MI (December 3, 2023) - A 68-year-old woman has died after being struck by a vehicle in Portage, according to the Portage Police Department. At about 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, officers of the Portage Police Department responded to the area of Willowcreek Road...

Lansing, MI – Injury Vehicle Collision Shuts Down US 127 at Lake Lansing

Lansing, MI (December 3, 2023) - An incident on southbound U.S. Highway 127 was reported on Friday morning, December 1, and caused the entire roadway to be closed, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). At 8:15 a.m. on the southbound side of...

Detroit, MI – Multi-Vehicle Wreck w/Injuries on I-96 at Grand Blvd

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - Detroit police say they are investigating the details surrounding a multi-vehicle crash that occurred on Sunday, December 3, according to the officers who responded to the scene. Though specific details about the crash have not been...

Detroit, MI – Rollover Collision Causes Injury at 10 Mile & Gratiot

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - On Sunday, December 3, two vehicles collided on a local highway in Detroit, leading to victim injuries and a rollover of one of the cars involved, as reported by Michigan State Police troopers and local officers. According to a report...

Detroit, MI – I-75 Car Crash Injures Victims After M-8

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), southbound I-75 after Michigan Highway 8 was blocked as a result of an accident on Sunday, December 3. At around 2:50 p.m. on Sunday, the Michigan Department of...

Detroit, MI – Car Accident, Injuries on M-10 Near I-94 Ramp

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - Multiple drivers collided in a major vehicle crash in the Detroit region on Sunday, December 3, and the incident reportedly ended in injuries, per local authorities. At around 1:15 p.m., the suspected rear-end collision occurred on...

Detroit, MI – Injury-Causing Accident Closes I-94 at Little Mack

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - An accident involving at least two vehicles blocked several lanes of a local freeway on Sunday afternoon, December 3, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation, resulting in a handful of victim injuries. At about 3:15...

Detroit, MI – Injuries Recorded in Vehicle Crash on I-94 at Mt Elliott

Detroit, MI (December 3, 2023) - After an accident on Sunday, December 3, a local Detroit roadway was partially closed. All right lanes of westbound I-94 after Mt. Elliott were closed due to the accident at roughly 10:45 a.m., according to troopers with the Michigan...

Roseville, MI – Officer Hurt in Accident on I-94 at 13 Mile Rd

Roseville, MI (December 3, 2023) - On Sunday afternoon at approximately 3:00 p.m., one driver was cited and an officer was hurt following a vehicle wreck, per local authorities who responded to the scene. The Roseville Police Department responded to westbound I-94 at...

Mundy Twp, MI – US 23 Site of Semi-Truck Wreck, Injuries at Maple Rd

Mundy Township, MI (December 3, 2023) - Traffic was backed up for miles on northbound U.S. 23 after a trailer slammed into the Maple Road bridge following a wreck in Mundy Township on Friday morning. The crash was reported around 10:30 a.m., and it led emergency crews...