SOUTHFIELD, Mich., July 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan State Police released a new report
analyzing traffic crash fatalities from 2023. Our team at the Lee
Steinberg Law Firm has compiled some of this data to observe
interesting trends in the number of motor vehicle fatalities over
the past 10 years and 20 years.
Michigan traffic deaths in 2023
totaled 1,095 according to data just released by the
Michigan State Police. The primary
cause of fatalities on Michigan
roadways was alcohol, with 297 deaths related to alcohol
consumption by motor vehicle operators. Drugs were the cause of 256
deaths. Buses and trucks caused 103 fatalities in 2023 as well.
The number of fatalities in 2013 totaled 951. Therefore,
compared to 10 years ago, the number of motor vehicle fatalities
increased more than 15%. This is a tragic number, especially
when one considers the millions of dollars spent by the state of
Michigan and other organizations
on driver safety and driver accountability.
The following is a list of the change in the number of motor
vehicle fatalities over the past decade in Michigan's largest counties.
County
|
2023
Fatalities
|
2013
Fatalities
|
%
Change
|
Wayne
|
201
|
164
|
22.6 %
|
Oakland
|
54
|
57
|
-5.3 %
|
Macomb
|
53
|
52
|
1.9 %
|
Kent
|
64
|
48
|
33.3 %
|
Genesee
|
59
|
30
|
96.7 %
|
Washtenaw
|
22
|
34
|
-35.3 %
|
Ingham
|
30
|
17
|
76.5 %
|
Ottawa
|
17
|
19
|
-10.5 %
|
Kalamazoo
|
44
|
36
|
22.2 %
|
Saginaw
|
21
|
21
|
0.0 %
|
15% DECREASE IN FATALITIES COMPARED TO 20 YEARS
AGO
Although the number of fatalities increased in 2023 compared to
2013, it decreased quite dramatically from 2003. That year there
were a reported 1,283 motor vehicle deaths on Michigan roadways. This marks close to a 15%
decrease in fatalities compared to 20 years ago.
The following is a list of the number of motor vehicle
fatalities in 2003, and the percent change in fatalities compared
to 2023 in Michigan's largest
counties.
County
|
2023
Fatalities
|
2003
Fatalities
|
%
Change
|
Wayne
|
201
|
222
|
-9.5 %
|
Oakland
|
54
|
79
|
-31.6 %
|
Macomb
|
53
|
64
|
-17.2 %
|
Kent
|
64
|
76
|
-15.8 %
|
Genesee
|
59
|
52
|
13.5 %
|
Washtenaw
|
22
|
35
|
-37.1 %
|
Ingham
|
30
|
13
|
130.8 %
|
Ottawa
|
17
|
31
|
-45.2 %
|
Kalamazoo
|
44
|
28
|
57.1 %
|
Saginaw
|
21
|
26
|
-19.2 %
|
As one notices, almost every county had a large decrease in the
number of fatalities, with the notable exception of Ingham
County.
Although these numbers are just a flashpoint in time, the
overall trend for motor vehicle deaths has been on a steady decline
over the past 50 years. In 1969, Michigan had a record 2,490 vehicle related
deaths. This means the state experienced a remarkable 56% decrease
in fatalities.
There are multiple reasons for this decrease according to
Michigan personal injury lawyer
Eric Steinberg, a partner at the Lee
Steinberg Law Firm and current President of the Michigan
Association for Justice, the state's trial lawyers association.
"There is so much more awareness of the dangers of drinking and
driving compared to decades ago. Organizations like MADD (Mothers
Against Drunk Driving) had a profound impact. In addition, vehicle
safety has improved immensely, with the required use of seat belts,
air bags, anti-lock braking devices, and new rule regulations
requiring lifesaving vehicle technologies."
The Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. represents individuals injured
due to the negligence of another person or corporation. For over 50
years, we have represented clients in a broad range of personal
injury matters throughout Michigan. For more information, please contact
Eric Steinberg at
1-800-533-3733.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michigan-traffic-fatalities-a-10-year-and-20-year-review-302199825.html
SOURCE Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C.