Latest Statistics, Laws & Prevention

Michigan traffic fatalities have increased more than 11% over the past 5 years, even though total car accidents dropped 8.4% over the same period. Significantly, the number of fatal car crashes in Michigan went from 902 in 2019 to 1,021 in 2023 – an 13.2% increase.

These trends are also reflected in the increases in fatalities among pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists and deaths attributable to drunk- and drugged-driving crashes.

Seeing fatalities and fatal car crashes increasing in frequency while overall motor vehicle crashes in Michigan are decreasing is a disturbing trend in Michigan.

It does not need to be this way. If every driver took common-sense safety precautions while they are behind the wheel, most of these traffic fatalities and fatal crashes could be drastically reduced and lives would be saved.

Are Michigan car accidents overall increasing or decreasing?

The total number of Michigan car accidents decreased by 8.4% over the last five years from 314,376 in 2019 to 287,953 in 2023. (Michigan Traffic Crash Facts)

Are Michigan traffic fatalities on the rise?

Unfortunately, overall Michigan traffic fatalities are up 11.2% from 985 car accident-related deaths in 2019 to 1,095 in 2023. (Michigan Traffic Crash Facts) This same troubling trend is seen with pedestrian, bicyclist and motorcyclist fatalities and lives lost due to drunk driving.

Here is more detail about Michigan traffic fatalities: 

• Pedestrian fatalities: 22.8% increase from 149 in 2019 to 183 in 2023.
• Bicyclist fatalities: 14.2% increase from 21 in 2019 to 24 in 2023.
• Motorcyclist fatalities: 35.2% increase from 122 in 2019 to 165 in 2023.
• Alcohol-involved fatalities: Less than 1% increase from 295 in 2019 to 297 to 2023.

Are Michigan traffic fatalities increasing or decreasing?

The total number of fatal car crashes in Michigan jumped 13.2% over the past 5 years, from 902 in 2019 to 1,021 in 2023. This trend is also reflected in the 8.4% increase in overall traffic fatalities in Michigan between 2019 and 2023.

Legal liability for Michigan traffic fatalities

A person who is at-fault for causing a Michigan car accident that results in death to another person can be sued in a wrongful death lawsuit for compensation and damages. A wrongful death lawsuit will include pain and suffering compensation, compensation for the family and defendants, and excess economic loss. Additionally, the at-fault driver may face a criminal conviction, fine and/or possible jail time.

Michigan law states that a driver who commits a moving violation which is “the proximate cause of the death of another person” is “guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both . . .” (MCL 257.601d(1))

Preventing fatal crashes

In Michigan, to prevent traffic fatalities and save lives, drivers need to refrain from: (1) texting and driving; (2) dialing a handheld phone while driving; (3) talking on the phone while driving; (4) driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and (5) speeding.

Here are the crash risks for these dangerous driving behaviors:

• Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to crash. (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute)
• Drivers are 12 times more likely to crash if they are dialing a handheld cell phone while driving. (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute)
• “Driving while talking on cell phones – handheld and hands-free – increases risk of injury and property damage crashes fourfold.” (National Safety Council (page 11))
• Drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05 to 0.079 are 7 times more likely to be in a fatal crash and 6 to 17 times more likely to be killed than sober drivers. (MADD, Studies on the Effectiveness of .05 BAC)
• “Excessive speed” was a factor in 19.2% of all car accident fatalities in Michigan in 2023. (Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, 2023, Fact Sheets, “Speeding”)

Have you lost a loved one in a fatal traffic crash? Call Michigan Auto Law now!

If you lost a loved one in a fatal traffic crash in Michigan, call now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation an experienced auto crash lawyer. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.

Michigan Auto Law is Michigan’s largest and most successful law firm that specializes exclusively in helping people who have been injured in motor vehicle crashes.

Our secret? Our attorneys deliberately handle fewer cases than other personal injury law firms.  This allows us to focus more time and attention on our cases.

Unlike other law firms, our attorneys are never too busy to promptly return phone calls and answer questions. 

We have more than 2,500 5-Star Reviews that reflect this care and attention to detail.

More importantly, this client-focused approach leads to better and faster settlements for our clients. Michigan Auto Law has recovered more million-dollar settlements and trial verdicts for motor vehicle crashes than any other lawyer or law firm in Michigan. We’ve also recovered the highest ever reported truck crash and car crash settlement in the state.

Call now so we can start making a real difference for you.