Capitol News

As Michigan residents prepare to set their clocks back to standard time on Sunday, November 2, state officials are urging drivers to be especially careful of pedestrians and people using bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards, or other personal devices during the early morning and evening hours. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), and the Michigan Fitness Foundation are reminding motorists that state law requires at least a three-foot distance when passing bicyclists.

"Road users need to be alert and eliminate distractions, slow down and fully focus on getting to their destination safely. People traveling on foot or rolling are encouraged to wear brighter-colored clothing with reflective material to enhance visibility," said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. "As a reminder, under the distracted driving law, it is illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads. Under the law, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms or shoulders."

Research from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute indicates that pedestrians face higher risks of serious injury from motor vehicle crashes in the weeks after clocks return to standard time. The first hour after sunset is considered the most dangerous for these incidents.

The Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Safe Routes to School program works with schools and communities statewide to address safety concerns so children can walk and bike more safely. "We encourage motorists to reduce their speed, obey all signs and traffic signals, and be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists, especially right before and after school," said Michigan Fitness Foundation President and CEO Amy Ghannam. "By working with MDOT on the Safe Routes to School program, the Michigan Fitness Foundation assists local communities to develop projects that increase connectivity and safety for students when they walk and roll to school."

National data from 2023 shows that 7,314 pedestrians and 1,166 pedalcyclists died in traffic crashes across the United States.

In Michigan specifically, according to a 2024 report from Michigan Traffic Crash Facts (MTCF), there were 2,281 pedestrian-involved crashes resulting in 156 deaths and 1,809 injuries. Most pedestrian crashes happened between 6:00 p.m. and 6:59 p.m., accounting for about 7.6 percent of incidents.

The same report found that there were 29 bicyclist fatalities in Michigan last year along with 1,369 injuries. The highest number of bicycle-related crashes occurred between 4:00 p.m. and 4:59 p.m., while most fatal incidents took place between 8:00 a.m. and 8:59 a.m.

Alicia Sledge, director of OHSP, highlighted how shorter daylight hours can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists clearly as they travel during peak times. "The earlier onset of darkness increases risks for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially during peak travel hours," Sledge said. "We urge all motorists to stay alert, slow down and eliminate distractions because a few extra seconds of caution can save a life."

MDOT continues its partnership efforts statewide through the Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) campaign based on national highway safety strategies aimed at changing driver behavior (www.Michigan.gov/ZeroDeaths). Additional information about pedestrian and bicycle safety is available online from MDOT as well as from the League of Michigan Bicyclists.