Bicyclists and pedestrians at risk in Michigan

In 2015, the numbers of pedestrians and bicyclists killed in Michigan were higher than in the ten years from 2006 to 2015.

As the summer months get fully underway, more and more people in Michigan naturally want to be outside to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. For many people that time outside involves walking, jogging or riding bikes to get exercise as well as a little sunshine.

Sadly, what is generally regarded as healthy and good for people can also put them in harm’s way. Drivers who are distracted, impaired, speeding or otherwise negligent can be found on any road at any time. When an accident involves a vehicle and a pedestrian or a bicyclist, it is generally the person on foot or on the bike who loses the most.

How many pedestrians die in Michigan?

Records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that during the 10-year span from 2006 to 2015, 2015 was the deadliest year in Michigan for pedestrians. In 2006, 136 pedestrians were killed in the state. In 2015, there were 166 such deaths. The fewest fatalities were recorded in 2008 with 114 pedestrians losing their lives in accidents.

The Greenville Daily News reported on a recent accident in which a 45-year-old man in Sheridan driving a pickup truck hit and killed an 18-year-old pedestrian. The woman was initially taken by air to a hospital for treatment but eventually died.

How many pedestrians die in Michigan?

As with pedestrian accidents, 2015 was again the deadliest in a span of 10 years for bicyclists in Michigan as 33 people on bikes were killed in accidents. The fewest fatalities among bicyclists between 2006 and 2015 were in 2007 when 17 people on bikes lost their lives.

An example of the problem bicyclists face can be seen in an accident that happened last year when a drugged driver mowed down a group of people on bikes. Five of the cyclists were killed and four others experienced serious injuries.

Practice Areas

What can be done to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe?

WWMT.com explains that a Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study has identified 14 locations as involved in a large number of accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Work is being initiated to make changes to the roads and intersections in these areas to improve safety.

In the meantime, Michigan residents who are themselves involved in accidents on foot or on a bike or who lose loved ones in such accidents should contact an attorney. Receiving compensation for injuries and losses in these types of accidents is important and getting input from an experienced professional can guide people in how to do this.

Bicyclists and pedestrians at risk in Michigan