Preliminary findings show 11 people lost their lives in 11 separate traffic crashes during the 2017 Fourth of July holiday weekend in the State of Michigan, according to Michigan State Police. In comparison, 13 traffic crashes resulted in 13 deaths during the 2016 Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Of the 11 deadly crashes:
- Alcohol use was a known factor in three of the deadly crashes.
- Four involved motorcycles; a helmet was not worn in one and it is unknown if a helmet was used in the other three.
- Two involved off-road vehicles.
- One victim was a bicyclist.
“These numbers only reflect those fatalities reported to Michigan State Police as of 11 a.m., Monday, July 10, 2017,” stated Lt. Jim Flegel, Michigan State Police State Services Bureau. “The Michigan State Police continues to urge motorists to drive safely, including not operating a vehicle while impaired on alcohol or drugs, avoiding distractions and risky driving behaviors and always using proper restraints.”
The Michigan State Police is also reminding drivers to be aware of motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists and child passenger safety throughout the summer. The goal is to keep everyone safe on Michigan roadways and to reduce or eliminate preventable traffic fatalities and injuries.
The 2017 Fourth of July holiday weekend ran from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.
