Number of State Traffic Deaths Are Declining

The number of fatal traffic crashes in Michigan declined from 1,002 to 987 from 2006 to 2007. Alcohol and/or dug-related fatalities fell 13%, from 440 in 2006 to 382 in 2007, the lowest number in more than a decade, according to information released in April by the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center.

Traffic-related injuries dropped by more than 1,300, and total crashes increased 3% over that year.

Since 2000, Michigan has seen a downward trend in traffic deaths, due in large part to substantial increases in safety belt use.

The state has one of the highest belt use rates in the country at 94%.

Other factors also credited include improvements in road design and intersections, as well as continuing vehicle safety improvements such as air bags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.

The crash data also shows motorcycle fatalities increased from 114 to 124 in 2007. Young driver fatalities (age 16 to 20) increased from 188 in 2006 to 227 in 2007. Deer-vehicle crashes rose from 60,875 in 2006 to 61,907 in 2007.

There were 11 people killed in deer-vehicle crashes in 2007, down from 12 in 2006. Commercial motor vehicle fatalities increased from 130 in 2006 to 136 in 2007. Pedestrian fatalities dropped from 139 to 136. Bicycle fatalities dropped from 28 to 18.