Less Than 900 Michigan Traffic Deaths Reported in 2014

Authorities say Michigan traffic deaths totaled less than 900 last year for the first time since 2011.

The state’s Office of Highway Safety Planning announced Monday that there were 876 traffic deaths in 2014, down 8 percent form 951 in 2013.

The figures are from the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center. Officials say alcohol-involved crash fatalities dropped 17 percent, from 284 in 2013 to 236 in 2014. Drug-involved traffic deaths were down 9 percent, from 165 in 2013 to 150.

Declines were noted in motorcyclist and bicyclist fatalities. Motorcyclist fatalities were down 16 percent, from 128 in 2013 to 107. Bicyclist fatalities fell from 27 in 2013 to 21.

According to the figures, overall traffic crashes increased 3 percent, from 289,061 in 2013 to 298,699.