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SAFER by 2030

SAFER by 2030

Safer by 2030 aims to reduce traffic fatalities by 30 percent by 2030

Traffic fatalities on our roadways continue to be an alarming public-health concern in Michigan and across the country.

To address this troubling issue and the traffic safety challenges that lie ahead, the Michigan Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission (GTSAC)

has launched a new statewide initiative with the goal of reducing crashes and saving lives on our roadways over the next five years. 

SAFER by 2030 — Statewide Action to Reduce Fatalities Encountered on our Roadways by 30% by 2030 — aims to create a culture of safe driving in Michigan as we continue to work Toward Zero Deaths. 

Katie Bower, Director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), and Chair of the GTSAC, said the Commission is joining forces with numerous state departments in a statewide effort to significantly impact road safety.

Bower said this multi-departmental effort will emphasize that Michiganders have a shared responsibility concerning roadway safety, and that we must work together to address risky-driving behaviors that often lead to crashes, such as speeding, distracted driving or driving while impaired. The OHSP understands that awareness and enforcement are key and is asking other agencies, groups, and individuals to join the effort and reinforce vital safety messages to help reach GTSAC’s five-year goal of reducing traffic fatalities in Michigan.

The GTSAC and its state partners will spread critical traffic safety messages and create innovative, targeted campaigns and initiatives that will raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of following traffic laws and regulations that help keep everyone safe.

Chair Bower pointed to some troubling data that emphasizes a need for heighten awareness and action:

- In 2023, Michigan reported 1,095 crash-related fatalities. Of those, 272 fatal crashes involved alcohol, and 230 fatal crashes involved drugs.
- There were 15,136 crashes in 2023 that involved a distracted driver, resulting in 59 deaths.
- Michigan’s seat belt use rate fell for the second straight year, down to 92% usage in 2024, compared to 92.4% in 2023. The state’s highest rate was 97.9% in 2009.
- Fatalities and injuries continue to be an issue for our vulnerable roadway users, including first responders and road workers who face dangerous traffic conditions each day on the job. Last year, in Michigan, there were 8,017 work-zone crashes, which included 24 work-zone fatalities.
 
Bower said that, like OHSP, many state departments and local agencies have traffic safety programs, as well as educational materials and resources that are available to the public. We must utilize all of our resources cooperatively and use our collective strength to make an impact. 
 
“For everyone’s benefit, we want to create a culture of safe driving on our roadways,” Bower said. “We are emphasizing that we all need to take a more responsible approach to driving. This means being alert and courteous while we’re buckled up behind the wheel and not speeding or driving distracted or impaired. We hope to have other groups concerned about traffic safety join us in talking road safety.”
 
Participating agencies and partners include the Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration, as well as the departments of State, State Police, Education, Transportation, and the OHSP.
The SAFER by 2030 Flyer. Click to view SAFER by 2030 flyer.