LANSING- Michigan saw a drop in fatal traffic crashes through the first nine months of 2024, though fatalities in early December were higher than in the previous year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently released statistics on fatal crashes for the first nine months of 2024, showing a continued decrease in deaths in Michigan and nationwide. Following a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic, traffic fatalities have been on the decline since 2022.
The U.S. had about 29,135 deaths in motor vehicle crashes during the first nine months of 2024, the report said. This represented a 4.4% decrease from the previous year, when about 30,490 people died in fatal crashes during the first nine months of 2023.
Michigan’s fatality rate stood below the average national level. The state had 789 deaths in motor vehicle crashes during the first nine months of 2024, per the report. This represented a 6.6% decrease from the previous year, when 845 people died in motor vehicle crashes during the first nine months of 2024.
The state can boast that these figures are better than surrounding states in the region. Ohio saw a -4.8% decrease, Indiana saw a -6.2% decrease, Illinois saw a -3.2% decrease and Wisconsin saw a -3% decrease.
However leading up to December of 2024, it appears the state was tracking to receive some bad data. The Michigan Department of Transportation reports up to 994 traffic fatalities in Michigan in 2024, as of Dec. 10. There were 21 deaths in early December, per MDOT. This represents 17 more fatalities than the same period in 2023. Data was provided to MDOT by Michigan State Police.
Michigan cities appear to be taking extra measures on their own to combat reckless driving. In January 2025 the City of Detroit announced a special traffic enforcement initiative to buckle down on problematic drivers. Dubbed “Traffic Blitz,” officers will target the city’s west side in areas including W 7. Mile, McNichols, Wyoming and Schaefer.
Data analyzed by the city’s 12th precinct revealed that approximately 1,900 accidents occurred in that area during 2024. The initiative will launch on Friday, January 31st with officers focusing on speeding, running red lights, aggressive driving and distracted driving.
DPD will also include undercover surveillance, seatbelt checks, radar units, and proactive patrols.
The DPD plans to conduct this traffic blitz at least twice a month through April aiming to curb dangerous driving patterns and enhance safety for residents.
At Traffic Court Buddy, we believe that every individual should have access to legal representation for any traffic-related charges. From tickets to forfeiture of vehicles, we make it our mission to help provide all the facts to help ensure you receive the minimum possible penalties for any alleged infraction. If you need traffic court representation, reach out today!