Metro Detroit crashes, traffic deaths increased again in 2015, council says

Southeast Michigan Council of Governments says increase is 5th consecutive year

DETROIT – Analysis by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) shows that fatal traffic crashes in the seven-county southeast Michigan region have increased for the fifth consecutive year, with 387 traffic fatalities occurring in 2015.

The number of total crashes -- 138,710 --  has also increased for the third year in a row, resulting in 1,913 severe injuries to road users in southeast Michigan.

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“To stem the needless loss of life in our region, we must take a broad approach to improving the safety of our transportation system and to making small but potentially life-saving changes to our personal behavior,” said Kathleen Lomako, executive director of SEMCOG.

  • Alcohol-involved traffic fatalities increased by more than 22 percent from 2014, as the 115 alcohol-involved fatalities represented nearly 30 percent of all fatalities in the region.
  • The 78 drug-involved fatalities which occurred in 2015 represent a 47 percent increase over the prior year and more than 20 percent of the region’s fatalities.
  • Significant increases were also observed with respect to the 63 motorcyclist-related (34 percent) and 15 bicyclist (25 percent) fatalities as compared to 2014.
  • Traffic crashes involving pedestrians (1,308) also increased in 2015, including a 14 percent increase in fatalities.

“While pedestrians are involved in only one percent of accidents, pedestrian crashes account for 28 percent of all traffic fatalities in southeast Michigan. Nationwide, that number is 14 percent,” Lomako said. “I encourage all travelers this Memorial Day weekend to follow safe driving practices; use a designated driver when drinking; and be on the lookout for motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.”

Traffic crash data used in SEMCOG’s analysis were received from the Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC). 

Ten years of traffic crash data (2004-2014) is available through Community Profiles on SEMCOG’s website. 

Transportation and Commute Methods in Michigan | FindTheHome

Safety tips for the road

  • Always wear a safety belt.
  • Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle.
  • Be safe. Be seen! Use lights and/or wear bright clothing when walking, cycling, or riding a motorcycle.
  • Obey all traffic laws.
  • Share the road safely – be courteous!
  • Don’t tailgate – keep safe distances while driving.
  • Avoid distractions while driving, biking, and walking.
  • Reading, typing, or sending a text while driving is illegal in Michigan.