Fewer people in Michigan are using their seatbelts.
The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning said the numbers have fallen for the second year in a row.
A recent Michigan State University study conducted earlier this past May and June shows a 92% rate of seat belt use. That’s a .4 % decrease from 2023’s 92.4%. and the lowest on record since 2004, when rates were 90.5 %. But Lt. Derrick Carroll with Michigan State Police said the numbers aren’t telling the full story of what’s happening in Northern Michigan.
“Looking at the study, it only covered one county inNorthern Michigan, which is Grand Traverse County. So, for the Northern part of the state, we’re actually showing a slight increase or a better percentage. But again, it shows that statewide, there is a decrease and for every percentage point of decrease, you’re talking up to ten deaths,” said Carroll.
The study also showed signs of good news. Rates for hand-held device usage, while driving, was down 1.2 %.
For more information about the study and a breakdown of numbers by county, please click here.