Michigan Car Accident Statistics for 2016 – Increase in Total Crashes
The Michigan State Police through the Traffic Crash Reporting System released its annual Michigan car accident statistics for 2016 earlier this year. The crash statistics are compiled each year and tell interesting things about the types of crashes that occur on Michigan roadways.
In 2016, there were a total of 312,172 total Michigan car crashes, with 79,724 individuals sustaining personal injury due to a car, truck or motorcycle accident. This is an increase from 2015, where there were 297,023 car wrecks so there was about a 5% increase. In 2015, there were 74,157 reported personal injuries from Michigan accidents.
Wayne County Leads the Way
Given it is the most populous county in the state, it should be no surprise that Wayne County led the state with the most motor vehicle crashes. Wayne County had 53,164 crashes, which made up 17% of all Michigan car accidents. With 16,692 reported injuries, Wayne County made up over 20% of all injuries in Michigan.
The next highest county by total reported crashes was Oakland County, which reported 42,660 total crashes and 11,170 personal injuries. Schoolcraft County reported the fewest crashes in the Lower Peninsula with 280.
In 2016, there were a total of 1,064 traffic fatalities. This compares to 963 fatalities in 2015. Tragically, almost every county reported at least one death due to a motor vehicle accident. The only county to report no fatalities was Keweenaw County in the Upper Peninsula. Of the 1,064 fatalities, 721 (67%) were male and 343 (33%) were female. However, more women (54%) reported injuries then men.
Most injuries involved the driver of a motor vehicle, which makes sense because many vehicles involved in a Michigan car accident do not have a passenger. Remarkably, there was only one reported injury due to a train.
Younger Demographics Sustained More Injuries
The age group with the most reported injuries were 25-34. The next group was 45-54. Not surprisingly, teenagers reported an abnormally high amount of injuries, with 16-20 year-olds (10,119) reporting more injuries than all 55-64 year-olds (9,653).
There were 22 Michigan fatalities involving snowmobiles and/or ORVs (off-road vehicles) and a 141 involving motorcycles. Both were increases from 2015.
Talk to a Law Firm You Can Trust
If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a vehicle accident caused by another driver, you or your family may be entitled to compensation to help with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call The Lee Steinberg Law Firm today for a FREE consultation with one of our experienced Michigan auto accident attorneys: 1-800-LEE-FREE.
