Michigan sees 17 percent increase in pedestrian deaths, October deadliest month
Law enforcement officials are raising alarms over the rising number of pedestrian fatalities in Michigan.
The state has seen a 17% increase in pedestrian-involved fatalities between 2020 and 2022, according to Michigan crash data. Data shows October represents a particularly deadly month, with more fatalities than any other month over the last five years.
Amidst the pedestrian safety concerns, the Macomb County Sheriff's Office has launched a pedestrian safety enforcement campaign. It includes a focus on pedestrian safety laws and enforcing violations by drivers and pedestrians.
“Between 2018-2022 Macomb County had 60 Pedestrian deaths and was ranked Number Three in state fatalities,” said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “It is not only important to enforce our pedestrian safety laws; we must also educate drivers and pedestrians about the laws.”
More: Pedestrian fatalities mark grim milestone, safety group projects in new report
Nationwide pedestrian deaths likely reached a 40-year high in 2022, the Detroit Free Press reported.
“Every day, 20 people go for a walk and do not return home. These are people living their daily lives — commuting to and from school and work, picking up groceries, walking the dog, getting some exercise — who died suddenly and violently,” said Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Assoication, in a news release.
The Michigan Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss planned pedestrian safety improvements for Pontiac in 2025 on Thursday afternoon. The meeting will be at the Bowens Senior Citizens Center in Pontiac from 4-6 p.m. Thursday.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office is conducting an awareness campaign this week, Monday through Friday.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Officials push enforcement amidst rising pedestrian death rates
