When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, more than 80 percent of the time the pedestrian is killed or seriously injured. In Michigan, more than 100 pedestrians die each year. Most of these deaths occur between 6 p.m. and midnight.
Pedestrian-involved crash data
• In 2024, there were 2,281 pedestrians involved in 2,131 motor vehicle crashes. Of the 2,281 pedestrians involved in crashes, 158 (6.8%) were killed and 1,809 (79.3%) were injured. (UMTRI, Crash Facts, 2024)
• In 2024, the highest number of pedestrian-involved crashes occurred during October with 225 (10.6%). (UMTRI, Crash Facts, 2024)
• Of all pedestrian actions prior to a crash, "not crossing at an intersection" was the deadliest, accounting for 53 (34.0%) of the pedestrian fatalities. (UMTRI, Crash Facts, 2024)
Pedestrians must:
• Use sidewalks whenever available.
• Obey traffic signals, signs, and markings.
• Cross streets at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks whenever possible.
• Face traffic and stay as far to the left as possible if traveling on the roadway.
Pedestrians should:
• Always stop at the edge of a parked car, curb, or vehicle before walking out into traffic.
• Look left-right-left before crossing a street and continue looking while crossing.
• Make eye contact with drivers prior to crossing roadways.
• Be visible: wear reflective clothing and lights at night and wear bright colors during the day.
• Never allow children under the age of 10 to cross the streets alone. Young children do not have the skills to accurately judge traffic risks.
Drivers must:
• Stop before entering the marked crosswalk limit line.
• Stop before entering the intersection if there is no crosswalk or limit line.
• Obey traffic signals, signs, and markings.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, intersections, and all traffic-controlled areas.
• Obey the posted speed limit.
Drivers should:
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing who cannot be seen.
• Avoid distractions.
• Stay alert and take extra caution at intersections, especially when making turns.
• Make eye contact with pedestrians waiting to cross roadways.
• Be extremely careful when backing up, checking for pedestrians who may move into the path of the vehicle.
Michigan Pedestrian Laws Guide for the Public
How to Handle a Roadside Emergency
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