Introduction
Michigan has averaged over 240,000 traffic crashes each year since 2019. (2023, Michigan State Police). Here’s some data on how the accidents happened so you can be aware and drive safely!
Who
Population: Of the 287,953 accidents that occurred in 2023, over 500,000 different individuals were involved (2023, MTCF). That means nearly 5% of the population in Michigan was involved in an auto accident over the last year – a significant amount of people!
Gender: Given this information, you might be wondering, who gets in the most accidents? Across the board, regardless of age or type of accident, men were involved in more accidents than women. This is especially true regarding fatal accidents, where men accounted for about 71% of fatalities and women about 29% (2023, Michigan State Police).
Age: Unsurprisingly, the young, inexperienced group of drivers accounts for a very high number of accidents. In 2020, 6.7% of the driving population was aged 15-20 years old. The drivers in this age group accounted for 10.3% of drivers in all crashes and 7.7% of drivers in fatal crashes (2020, MTCF). Clearly these amateur drivers have been involved in a considerable amount of roadway harm and are one of the most dangerous demographics on the road.
In addition to young drivers, drivers over the age of 65 also accounted for a high number of crashes. In 2022, 11.1% of drivers in all crashes were over the age of 65 (2022, MTCF). While they are not the sole culprits of accidents on our Michigan roadways, the elderly population as well as the youth have made their fair share of contributions.
What
Now that you know who caused the accidents over the past few years in Michigan, you may be wondering what type of accidents we are even talking about. Busses? Trucks? Airplanes? Carriages? Here’s what we know, given the most recent data:
Of all the accidents caused in 2023, an overwhelming majority involved passenger cars, SUV’s or vans. Second following cars, SUV’s and vans, was pickup trucks, which accounted for nearly 12% of total vehicles involved in accidents. Given that the Michigan State Police Data includes over 12 different vehicle classifications, it is notable that two of those classifications account for over 90% of total crashes. That’s not to say that semi-trucks, scooters or bicycles were not involved in their fair share of accidents – because they were – cars, SUV’s, vans and pickups, unsurprisingly, just represented a majority.
As far as those other means of transportation are concerned, trucks and buses accounted for another large percentage of total accidents (3.2%), followed by motorcycles (.6%) and then motor homes (.2%). One surprising fact regarding these vehicle types is that of the 3,161 total motorcycle crashes recorded in 2023, only 173 were fatal. Although this is a high number, it is fortunate not to be any higher, given the unprotected nature of riding a motorcycle. Still, this single vehicle type was involved in over 9% of fatal crashes in 2023, so the dangerousness of a motorcycle is nothing to be understated (2023, Michigan State Police).
When
Rush hour was the hottest time for accidents in 2023, with over 22% of accidents occurring between 3:00 and 5:59 PM. This makes sense, especially considering that around 3:00 PM is when a high number of young high school drivers leave school. With all these young and inexperienced drivers on the road at once, in addition to the high volume of older drivers commuting from work, the 3:00-5:59 PM period can be dangerous.
As far as days of the week are concerned, Friday saw the most crashes and Sunday saw the most fatal crashes. October and November were the months in which the most crashes happened, which makes sense given the fewer hours of daylight and the volatile road conditions. Surprisingly however, the months in which the most fatal crashers happened were not during the winter when roads are slick and unfit for driving, but during June, July and August (2023, Michigan State Police). Regardless of time of day or year, it is always important to be alert and practice safe driving habits. With this knowledge of the specific times at which the most accidents happen, you can be extra careful when you’re out driving next.
Where
Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, the three most populated counties in Michigan, were the three top counties in which accidents took place. This seems to follow the trend that anywhere or anytime there are many cars on the road all at once, accidents are bound to happen!
As previously stated, road conditions may play less of a factor in crash likelihood than one might expect. An overwhelming majority of crashes were reported to have happened when road conditions were dry and otherwise safe to drive on. While wet and slick conditions were to blame for many accidents, the data suggests that these conditions don’t account for a disproportionately high number of accidents.
Why
An entire section breaking down “crash indicators” is Included in the 2023 Statewide Traffic Crash Data Year End Report, put out by the Michigan State Police. According to this section of the report, distracted driving is the number one indicator that led to a crash in 2023, with over 15,000 crashes being attributed to some form of distracted driving. Alcohol is the next most significant indicator, with 8,817 alcohol involved crashes being reported, followed by drugs, with 2,250 drug involved crashes being reported (2023, Michigan State Police). Despite the number of distracted drivers falling from 2019, distracted driving remains a real problem. Any time that your full attention is not on the road is a time in which disaster could strike. It is important to remain clear headed, sober, and focused behind the wheel to help avoid any serious accidents next time you are on the road.
Conclusion
No matter the time of year, your location in the state, or the type of car you drive, you could find yourself in an accident (potentially a very serious one) next time you are on the road. It is of pivotal importance that you remain focused on the task of driving while you are behind the wheel to protect yourself and those around you. In the case of extreme negligence, where someone else’s lack of focus and/or intoxication and/or lack of knowledge regarding Michigan traffic laws ends with you being injured or with property damage, do not hesitate in reaching out to injury attorney David Femminineo and the team of personal injury lawyers at Femminineo Law. David and his team are amongst the highest regarded personal injury attorneys in the state and will do everything they can to ensure you are properly compensated in the event of a serious auto accident. Call today at (855) 65CRASH or visit us online at getdavidgetpaid.com.