Skip to content
1-800-CALL-SAM
SEND MESSAGE
Sam Bernstein Law Firm
Case Types Reviews & Results Our History Our Firm Community Car Safety Kit
Case Types Reviews & Results Our History Our Firm Community Bernstein Box Office Car Safety Kit

Dangerous Driving Habits Cause Surge in Fatal Michigan Car Accidents

Published: August 22, 2023

Home>The Bernstein Blog>Dangerous Driving Habits Cause Surge in Fatal Michigan Car Accidents

Traffic deaths in Michigan remain far too high, and safety experts still point to preventable driving behaviors. From 2020 through 2024, Michigan recorded more than 5,500 traffic fatalities. Speeding, alcohol and drug impairment, and distraction continue to show up in deadly crashes.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, having an experienced team of Michigan car accident attorneys on your side can make a difference. Here is what drivers should know about fatal crashes in Michigan.

Do You Have a Case?

DISTRESSING STATISTICS ON FATAL MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENTS

According to Michigan State Police, 1,099 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2024, a small increase from 1,095 in 2023. Preliminary 2025 figures show 1,065 fatalities, a 3 percent decline.

Michigan crash data still ties many wrecks to preventable habits. In 2024, speed was cited in 22,260 crashes, including 177 deaths. Alcohol was involved in 307 fatalities in 2024 (up from 297 in 2023). Alcohol-involved deaths fell to 264 in 2025.

WHERE DID THE MAJORITY OF FATAL MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENTS OCCUR?

Recent statistics showed Wayne County with the highest number of fatal crashes, followed by Macomb, Oakland and Kent.

Many deadly crashes happen on local roads and city streets, not only on interstates. Drivers may take more risks close to home. An experienced Michigan legal team can help you understand your rights after a crash.

SAFETY MEASURES CAN REVERSE THE DEADLY TREND

New rules can help, but they only work if people follow them.

A law banning hand-held cell phones took effect June 30, 2023. Michigan also authorized automated speeding enforcement in active construction zones.

Drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians can reduce risk by following these tips:

  • Never operate a car, motorcycle or bicycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Do not drive when you are tired
  • Keep your eyes and mind on the road and your hands on the wheel
  • If you are walking, use crosswalks or signals when you can and watch for vehicles
  • Follow the rules of the road, whatever you are driving or riding
  • Do not use a hand-held phone or other device while driving
  • Avoid other distractions such as loud music, eating, tending to children or reaching into the back seat
  • Follow the posted speed limit
  • Slow down when weather and road conditions are bad
  • Let an aggressive driver pass
  • Wear a seat belt on every trip
  • Make sure adult passengers buckle up and children use the correct car seat or booster

CONTACT ONE OF OUR EXPERIENCED MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY

If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan car accident, we can help. Our experienced lawyers have the skills, knowledge and resources to pursue the compensation you and your family deserve.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan car accident attorney is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Start your case today by filling out the brief form below or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Do You Have a Case?

Related Posts

How Are Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Fees Determined?

May 21, 2025

Learn how Michigan car accident lawyer fees work, including contingency fees, case expenses, and why you pay nothing up front with a No Fee Guarantee®.

Taking a Memorial Day Road Trip? How to Avoid a Car Accident on This Dangerous Driving Weekend

May 21, 2025

Memorial Day weekend is one of the deadliest stretches for U.S. drivers. Here is how Michigan motorists can stay safer, and when PIP still applies out of state.

Michigan Car Seat Laws: What Every Parent Should Know

May 21, 2025

Michigan’s 2025 child passenger law requires rear-facing seats until age 2, boosters until age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches, and back-seat riding until 13.

Michigan Has a New Flex Route Aimed at Lowering Car Accidents and Injuries

April 18, 2025

I-96 in Oakland County and US-23 use left-shoulder flex lanes. Green arrow means open; a red X means stay off. See hours and crash results.

Be Ghoulish… Not Foolish: Safety Tips for a Hazard-Free Halloween

October 31, 2024

Children face a much higher pedestrian risk on Halloween. Practical walking, home and driving tips, plus what to do if negligence causes an injury.

Labor Day Safety Tips: How to Survive One of the Year's Most Dangerous Weekends

August 30, 2024

Labor Day is one of the deadliest U.S. travel weekends. Why fatalities spike, what Michigan’s sober-driving campaign covers, and what to do after a crash.

Are Golf Carts “Street Legal” on Michigan Roads?

April 9, 2024

Golf carts are street-legal only where a city, village or township under 65,000 has authorized them. Speed, license, insurance and crash rules.

Does Michigan No-Fault Insurance Cover Non-Resident Drivers Involved in a Car Accident?

April 9, 2024

Out-of-state drivers in Michigan more than 30 days a year generally need a Michigan No-Fault policy. See PIP, penalties, and who pays after a crash.

The Darker Side of Daylight Saving Time: What Every Driver Should Know

March 15, 2024

Research finds about a 6% rise in U.S. fatal crashes the week after springing forward. Darker mornings and lost sleep are the main reasons.

Michigan Supreme Court Allows Full Medical Benefits for Victims Injured Before No-Fault Reforms

January 30, 2024

In Andary v. USAA (July 31, 2023), the Michigan Supreme Court held that 2019 No-Fault fee schedules and family attendant-care caps do not apply to people injured before June 11, 2019.

Detroit Lions logo
We are proud to be an official partner of the Detroit Lions®. We share common values including a commitment to hard work and grit in service to our clients and the community.

CONTACT US

No upfront fees. No risk. No pressure.

Put our three generations of experience to work for you. Don't wait to get the help you need! As Michigan's most experienced personal injury law firm, we've helped over 100,000 clients get the compensation they deserve. Your consultation is always free, and, with our No Fee Guarantee®, you won't pay anything until we win your case.

* indicates required fields

Consent *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

1800callsam logo
Get The Bernstein Advantage® Today!
Free. Simple. Quick.

Injury Case Types

Personal Injury Car Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Semi Truck Accidents Bicycle Accidents Pedestrian Accidents E-Bike Accidents Dog Bites Serious Injuries Slip & Fall Accidents Asbestos and Mesothelioma Birth Injuries & Cerebral Palsy Sexual Assault Head or Brain Injury Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Hot Beverage Burns Prison Injury & Inmate Rights Job Discrimination Social Security Disability Workers’ Compensation View All Case Types

Our Firm

Our History Our Team The No Fee Guarantee® The Bernstein Advantage® Careers Contact

Community Service

Bernstein Box Office Car Safety Kit Call Sam Cares Call Sam Kitchen Bernstein’s Best Friends Chopper Shop

Resources

Michigan Baby Help Center Bernstein Books The Bernstein Blog Bernstein Library Frequently Asked Questions Michigan No-Fault Law View All Resources

Reviews & Results

Testimonials Awards & Honors In The Media

Locations

Farmington Hills Grand Rapids Detroit Southfield

IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED BY MRPC RULE 7.2(d): Attorney Mark Bernstein is responsible for the content of The Sam Bernstein Law Firm’s legal advertisements. He can be contacted at (800) 225-5726.

© 2026 Sam Bernstein Law Firm. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions