Cars vs. pedestrians: How many people killed in mid-Michigan?

FLINT, Mich. - According to a nationwide study by the Governors Highway Safety Association, in 2018 the number of pedestrian traffic deaths were the highest they’ve been since 1990.

This report shows there has been a 4 percent increase in pedestrian traffic deaths nationwide.

Many of these crashes as a result of people walking in the street at night or because of distracted drivers and that seems to be true here in Mid-Michigan as well.

Jennie Harris lives in Flint. To get around—she walks.

“I don’t have a drivers license, I never will again. I had an unfortunate happening that prevents me from ever driving again, so I walk.”

Jennie Harris lives in Flint. To get around, she walks. Harris says she follows the rules of the road, like staying on the sidewalks and keeping an eye on traffic lights, but it’s the distracted drivers that she fears.

“I’m always alert, I’m always looking ya know are the drivers paying attention?” Harris stated.

When Nicholas Gardner is behind the wheel, he says he’s always on the lookout for people strolling in the street which he says happens frequently in Flint.

“You just have to be courteous and just watching out for other people, you don’t want to hit anybody,” said Gardner.

While the national report of pedestrian involved traffic deaths are on the rise, in Michigan they’ve gone down 19 percent.

But what are the numbers in Mid-Michigan?

According to a 2017 report from the Michigan State Police, 102 crashes involving pedestrians happened in Genesee County. Of those crashes, 11 people were killed.

In Saginaw County, 36 crashes occurred and 2 people died.

In Bay County, there were 20 crashes reported. Of those crashes, 2 people were killed.

But Midland County was the lowest. 6 crashes were reported, resulting in 1 death.

And MSP Lt. Duane Zook says when it comes to people walking in the street, they need to remember...

“They’re subject to a civil infraction,” said Lt. Zook.

Lt. Zook says that fine could be $100 or more depending on what county you’re in.

He also says if you do have to walk on the street, he recommends wearing reflective clothing and walking towards oncoming traffic so drivers can see you, and you can see them.

If you’re interested in checking out the full report from the Michigan State Police, click here.

To check out the national report from the Governors Highway Safety Association, click here.