Michigan Traffic Fatalities 2026: Latest Statistics, Laws & Prevention

Michigan traffic fatalities have decreased nearly 3% over the past 4 years, even though total car accidents increased 2.2% over the same period. Significantly, the number of fatal car crashes in Michigan went from 1,068 in 2021 to 1,012 in 2024 – a 5.2% decrease.
These trends for traffic fatalities and fatal crashes are welcome news. And although overall auto accidents increased, the uptick was closer to zero than it has been in recent years.
If every driver takes common-sense safety precautions while he or she is behind the wheel, then we can hopefully continue to save more lives and prevent more crashes.
Are Michigan car accidents overall increasing or decreasing?
The total number of Michigan car accidents increased by 2.2% over the last four years from 282,640 in 2021 to 288,880 in 2024. (Michigan Traffic Crash Facts)
Are Michigan traffic fatalities on the rise?
Fortunately, overall Michigan traffic fatalities are down 2.8% from 1,131 car accident-related deaths in 1,131 in 2021 to 1,099 in 2024. (Michigan Traffic Crash Facts)
Here is more detail about Michigan traffic fatalities:
- Pedestrian fatalities: 14.7% decrease from 183 in 2021 to 156 in 2024.
- Bicyclist fatalities: No change. There were 29 deaths in both 2021 and 2024.
- Motorcyclist fatalities: 1.2% increase from 166 in 2021 to 168 in 2024.
- Alcohol-involved fatalities: 14% decrease from 357 in 2021 to 307 in 2024.
Are Michigan traffic fatalities increasing or decreasing?
The total number of fatal car crashes in Michigan fell 5.2% over the past 4 years, from 1,068 in 2021 to 1,012 in 2024.
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 16.1% of all car accident fatalities in Michigan in 2024. (Michigan Traffic Crash Facts)
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.
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Written By
Steve M. Gursten,
Attorney,
License#: P53632
Steven Gursten, attorney at Michigan Auto Law and one of the most successful auto accident attorneys in Michigan. Michigan Auto Law represents people seriously injured in car, truck, motorcycle, and bus accidents, including catastrophic injury, traumatic brain injury, and No-Fault insurance cases. Steven has recovered the largest reported auto and truck accident settlement of any Michigan lawyer, and has been named Michigan Lawyer of the Year and a Top 50 Michigan Super Lawyer.
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