Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Traffic deaths increase for second year in a row in Michigan

March 31, 2014

Traffic deaths in Michigan are up for the second year in a row, according to a study done by Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center.

There were 165 fatalities due to drug-involvement in 2013, which is up 22 percent from 135 in 2012.

Bicyclist deaths were also up 35 percent, spiking from 20 in 2012 to 27 in 2013. Pedestrian fatalities jumped 9 percent up to 149 in 2013 from 137 in 2012.

“Michigan’s 2013 statistics mimic national trends,” Michigan State Police director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue said in a statement. “In recent years there has been an upswing across the country in fatalities involving large trucks, bicyclists, pedestrians and impaired driving.”

Other increases included crashes involving deer and alcohol-involved traffic deaths.

Motorcyclists’ deaths were down 1 percent and teen fatalities, ages 13–19, decreased from 85 in 2012 to 69 in 2013.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/crash.

Discussion

Share and discuss “Traffic deaths increase for second year in a row in Michigan” on social media.