SEMCOG: Fatal Traffic Crashes Increased in 2015

The number of fatal traffic crashes in southeast Michigan has increased for the fifth consecutive year.

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments is advising motorists to take precautions when traveling over the Memorial Day weekend.

The organization says fatal traffic crashes increased for the fifth consecutive year in 2015, with alcohol and drugs accounting for the most of deadly accidents.

Executive Director Kathleen Lomako says SEMCOG is looking into engineering solutions.

“Making sure that we have the proper signage, lane markings, that we engineer roads in ways that can reduce accidents. Some of those are longer term. This public education side is something we can do right now,” Lomako says. 

Lomako says changes in personal behavior, such as obeying traffic laws and avoiding distractions, can prevent crashes. 

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