Traffic fatalities on Michigan roadways continue to be an alarming public health concern. To address this and the traffic safety challenges ahead, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission (GTSAC) is launching a new statewide initiative with the goal of reducing traffic fatalities by 30 percent by 2030.
SAFER by 2030—Statewide Action to Reduce Fatalities Encountered on our Roadways by 30 percent by 2030—aims to create a culture of safe driving in Michigan as we continue to work Toward Zero Deaths.
“The SAFER by 2030 initiative is a collective effort to significantly impact road safety in our state,” said Alicia Sledge, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) and chair of the GTSAC. “A key objective for this alliance of state agencies and organizations is to address risky-driving behaviors, which often lead to fatalities.”
In 2024, there were 288,880 crashes in Michigan that took the lives of 1,099 people.
Insp. Patrick Daughtery, asst. deputy director of the Michigan State Police’s Field Services Bureau and chair of the SAFER by 2030 Committee, explained that several factors are contributing to the rise in fatalities and crashes.
“Mobile technologies are leading to more distracted-driving crashes, and we are seeing an increase in risky-driving behaviors, such as excessive speeding,” Daugherty said. “Adding alcohol and/or drugs to the mix increases the danger for everyone on the road, resulting in more crashes and fatalities.”
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the benefit of the GTSAC working closely with numerous state organizations and advocates to address emerging traffic safety issues and obstacles.
“Every Michigander deserves safe roads so they can go to work, school or the grocery store,” said Governor Whitmer. “We all have a role to play in making our roads safer, and by being proactive and taking responsibility for eliminating dangerous driving behaviors, we can protect our communities, strengthen our public safety and save lives.”
The SAFER by 2030 initiative focuses on three key areas of Awareness, Engagement and Enforcement. Many of the partners involved in SAFER by 2030 already have traffic safety programs and outreach strategies in place. Recent initiatives and efforts include:
• Office of Highway Safety Planning—The OHSP is on target to distribute more than 100 traffic safety and related grants to support fiscal year 2026 initiatives, including enforcement and public outreach.
• Department of Health and Human Services—The MDHHS supports numerous partners for community traffic safety initiatives, including car seat checks, safety trainings and CarFit events for aging drivers.
• Department of State—The MDOS initiative “Look Twice, Save a Life” is a public education campaign reminding drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert and attentive while driving, especially at intersections and when making left turns.
• Department of State Police—The department conducts traffic enforcement and hosts defensive driving schools for young drivers at locations across the state.
• Department of Transportation—MDOT installed “hands-free device use” signs at numerous locations along state lines and border crossings to raise awareness about Michigan’s Hands-Free Law and possible penalties for violations.
• Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Department—Department members use data collected by their systems and staff to conduct targeted preventative patrol operations and enforcement.
• The Kiefer Foundation—The foundation recently created the “Just Drive Simulator,” an immersive, hands-on experience that educates young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.
For more information, including a full list of SAFER by 2030 tactics and efforts, please visit the
SAFER by 2030 webpage.
