Distracted driving is a documented factor in thousands of Michigan crashes every year, and the most recent state data shows a troubling trend: even as the total number of distracted-driving crashes declined in 2024, the number of people killed in those crashes rose.

What the 2024 Michigan State Police Data Shows

According to the Michigan State Police 2023/2024 Year End Comparison, distracted-driving-involved crashes decreased 5 percent in 2024, falling from 15,136 in 2023 to 14,439. However, distracted-driving-involved fatalities rose 10 percent over the same period, from 59 in 2023 to 65 in 2024. Distracted-driving-involved injury crashes fell 9 percent, from 4,128 to 3,757, and distracted-driving-involved injuries decreased 7 percent, from 5,889 to 5,488.

Although distracted-driving crashes decreased overall in 2024, the increase in fatalities shows that these crashes can still have devastating consequences.

What Types of Distraction Are Most Common

According to the Michigan State Police 2024 Statewide Traffic Crash Data Year End Report, the most commonly reported driver distraction in 2024 was “Other Activity Inside Vehicle,” accounting for 5,300 instances. “Activity Outside Vehicle” accounted for 4,862 instances. Communication device use — including texting, typing, and dialing — accounted for 1,596 instances, while electronic device use of another type accounted for 1,545. Passenger distraction accounted for 777 instances.

Michigan’s Hands-Free Driving Law, which took effect June 30, 2023, prohibits drivers from manually using a phone while driving. According to MSP, cell-phone-involved injury crashes fell 7 percent in 2024, from 721 to 668, and cell-phone-involved injuries fell 6 percent, from 1,019 to 953.

When Distracted-Driving Crashes Occur

According to MSP data from prior years cited in their Distracted Driving Awareness Month releases, rear-end crashes are the most common crash type associated with distracted driving, accounting for 48.4 percent of all distracted-driving crashes in 2022. The peak crash period for all Michigan crashes in 2024 was between 3 p.m. and 5:59 p.m., according to the 2024 Year End Report — the same evening rush hour window when Metro Detroit’s busiest corridors, including Hall Road, Gratiot Avenue, Van Dyke Avenue, and Mound Road, see their highest traffic volumes.

What Michigan Law Requires

Michigan’s Hands-Free Driving Law carries penalties of a $100 fine or 16 hours of community service for a first offense, $250 or 24 hours of community service for a second offense, and a required driver improvement course for a third offense within three years, according to MSP.

Beyond traffic penalties, when a distracted driver causes a crash that injures another person, the distraction may be relevant to a civil negligence claim. Whether and how it affects what legal options are available depends on the specific facts of the crash. An attorney can evaluate the police report, witness accounts, and available evidence to help identify what claims may exist.

Michigan’s no-fault system provides PIP benefits for medical expenses and wage loss regardless of fault. Whether additional claims against an at-fault driver may be available depends on the nature of the injuries and the circumstances of the crash.

If you were injured in a crash in Macomb, Wayne, or Oakland County and have questions about your legal options, our team may be able to help. To speak with a Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.

Sources:Michigan State Police 2023/2024 Year End Comparison
Michigan State Police 2024 Statewide Traffic Crash Data Year End Report
Michigan State Police Distracted Driving Awareness Month