LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– A grant-funded statement research by Michigan State College says Michigan’s seat belt use charge fell barely in 2024.
The research was performed in Might and June and decided that the seat belt use charge was 92.0%, a 0.4% lower from 2023 and the bottom seat belt use charge for the state since 2004 when it was 90.5%, the research reveals.
“Every unbuckled seat belt represents a life at risk,” stated Katie Bower, director of the Michigan Workplace of Freeway Security Planning (OHSP). “It’s disheartening to see the seat belt use rate in Michigan continue to decline. We must remind everyone that safety is a shared responsibility. Every time we buckle up, we protect not just ourselves but everyone on the road.”
In response to the Michigan Workplace of Freeway Security Planning, the speed of handheld units fell from 6.7% in 2023 to five.5% in 2024.
“A rate decrease of 1.2 percentage points translates to many lives being saved as drivers and passengers understand the importance of keeping their hands on the wheel at all times,” Bower stated. “While there is still much work to do to decrease distracted-driving crashes, we are thrilled the Hands-Free Law has positively influenced driver behavior and has helped save lives on our roads.”
OHSP says the rise in seat belt use correlates with fewer site visitors deaths. Each level improve in seat belts means 10 fewer deaths on Michigan roads. They report in 2023, there have been 1,095 fatalities.
