August 26, 2025
The number of overall traffic crashes and fatalities on Michigan roadways rose slightly in 2024, according to recently released data from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC). In 2024, the total number of crashes (288,880) was 927 higher than in 2023 (287,953). Also last year, the number of fatalities on Michigan roads increased by 4 with 1,099 deaths recorded compared to the 1,095 fatalities in 2023.
Unfortunately, in 2024, vulnerable roadway users experienced profound increases in crashes and/or fatalities from 2023’s statistics.
· Bicyclist-involved crashes (1,773) rose 20 percent, and bicyclist fatalities (29) rose 21 percent.
· Motorcycle-involved crashes (3,187) increased 4 percent, and motorcyclist fatalities (168) increased 2 percent.
· School bus-involved crashes (1,044) increased 6 percent, and pedestrian-involved crashes (2,131) rose 1 percent.
· Work-zone-involved fatalities (28) rose 17 percent.
Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP, said that even with slight changes in overall crash numbers, the impact in numerous areas of traffic safety has grown more concerning.
“While all crashes are alarming, the sharp rise in bicycle-related incidents and work-zone fatalities highlight the ongoing vulnerability of certain roadway users,” Grady said. “We must work with the public to raise awareness, promote safe driving and focus on these ongoing issues to ensure everyone’s safety in addition to enforcing traffic violations.”
Comparing 2024’s statistics to 2023’s numbers, other key findings include:
· Drug-involved crashes (2,315) rose 3 percent, and drug-involved fatalities (272) rose 6 percent.
· Teen (aged 13-19) fatalities (77) rose 17 percent.
· Senior-driver-involved (aged 60 and over) crashes (79,513) increased 3 percent.
· Alcohol-involved fatalities (307) increased 3 percent, but alcohol-involved crashes (8,542) fell 3 percent.
· Distracted-driving-involved fatalities (65) rose 10 percent, while distracted-driving-involved crashes (14,439) decreased 5 percent.
Alicia Sledge, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), said that our nation’s growing senior population and evolving drug laws are creating new challenges in traffic safety that enforcement officers and safety professionals must address.
“The rise in crashes involving older drivers and drug impairment reflects shifting dynamics on our roads and streets,” said Sledge. “These emerging risks are the latest barriers we must overcome as traffic safety professionals and law enforcement in confronting evolving issues in roadways safety.”
Ms. Michelle Kleckler is director of CJIC, the division of MSP responsible for compiling and reviewing crash data.
“CJIC’s crash team conducts comprehensive analyses of statewide traffic crash data and compiles the year-end report,” Kleckler said. “We are committed to supporting our law enforcement and traffic safety partners in making data-driven decisions to save lives, prevent traffic injuries and reduce the economic costs of traffic crashes.”
To review the crash data report and other related documents, please visit the 2024 crash data page.
