Grand Rapids, MI, is a thriving mid-sized city known for great breweries, renowned gardens, and multiple institutions of higher learning. It also has fast-growing suburbs, with busy roadways connecting far-flung neighborhoods, satellite towns, and area attractions. With these conditions comes the unfortunate reality of car accidents. Recent Grand Rapids motor vehicle accident statistics reveal trends and insights that every Grand Rapids motorist should know to keep themselves safe and informed.
From routine fender benders on I-196 to serious collisions at busy intersections along Division Avenue, Grand Rapids is, in fact, home to many potential traffic hazards that can threaten motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and even property. By looking a little more closely at the data, we can gain a better understanding of why, how, when, and where the worst Grand Rapids crashes occur. Only then can we face these challenges and figure out how to reduce the toll of roadway accidents on our community.
Understanding Traffic Accident Data in Grand Rapids, MI
One important thing to understand about car crash data is that the most current available data is often a year or two old. It takes time to collect, organize, validate, and publish quality data and analysis (although today’s crash tracking systems are beginning to get closer to real-time reporting in some U.S. cities).
It is also worth remembering that different sources might define different terms in completely different ways, depending on whether you are getting your reports through a police department or an insurance industry group.
We have looked at accident data from a few different sources, including the Grand Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization crash data available through the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts data query tool, and the official Michigan State Police crash information page at Michigan.gov.
Grand Rapids, MI Motor Vehicle Crashes – Noteworthy Trends and Statistics
- Throughout the latter 2010s and the 2020s thus far, Kent County has had over 20,000 total automobile crashes in an average year, or around 10 times the number of crashes seen in nearby Barry, Ionia, or Montcalm Counties. But there is some good news, too. In 2023, the total dipped below 19,000, giving Kent County its lowest crash total in over a decade (if you exclude the reduced 2020 numbers, which are attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic).
- Although total accidents were down, fatal accidents in Kent County actually rose significantly from 50 in 2022 to 60 in 2023. And while most 2023 traffic accidents were concentrated in the area of Grand Rapids proper, fatal accidents were somewhat more evenly distributed and occurred in every quadrant of the county.
- To put these numbers into context, the State of Michigan has around 315,000 total motor vehicle crashes and 1,000 traffic fatalities annually. The Grand Rapids area is a statistically significant part of the total motor vehicle safety picture in Michigan, but is by no means the largest single contributor (that distinction, unsurprisingly, goes to the much more populous Detroit metro area).
- Drivers in the 25–44-year-old age group were most commonly involved in Kent County crashes in 2023.
- October through February are the most dangerous months to be on Kent County roads, with around 2,000 crashes occurring per month during the wintry season in recent years. Fatal crashes are more evenly distributed throughout the year, with some recent years seeing spikes of fatal car crashes in August and September.
- Drugs were involved in 150 crashes in Kent County in 2023, and alcohol was involved in 783 crashes.
- Kent County was in the top five Michigan counties for distracted driving crashes in 2023, with 1,339 crashes.
- While there were 199 motorcycle crashes in Kent County in 2023, this included nine tragic fatal incidents. While motorcycles account for less than 1% of total Kent County crashes, they are involved in a staggering 10% of all roadway fatalities in the area.
FAQs About Grand Rapids Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics
What County in Michigan Has the Most Deer Accidents Involving Cars?
Kent County is the county in Michigan that has had the most deer accidents involving cars in recent years. Kent County (where the city of Grand Rapids is located) has more than 2,000 deer-involved accidents each year, which is high even for Michigan, where just about every county has an issue with car-deer collisions.
What Are Most Car Crashes Caused By?
Most car crashes are caused by human error, according to many insurance industry and safety experts. Of course, this is a bit of an oversimplification, as there are many, many different forms of human error. Other non-human factors, such as weather, visibility, road conditions, and mechanical accidents, will also play a significant role in many accidents.
Which State Has the Highest Motor Vehicle Accidents?
There are a few different states that can lay claim to having the “highest” motor vehicle accidents, depending on how exactly you define your criteria. Texas often has the highest number of total accidents actually reported each year, while California often sees the highest total number of roadway fatalities, and Mississippi has the highest rate of car accidents when adjusted per capita.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents in Michigan?
The most common cause of car accidents in Michigan is human error. Of course, human error is found at the root of so many accidents because it can mean so many different things, especially when driving a car. Choosing to text and drive, falling asleep at the wheel, failing to notice a stop sign, and driving after taking intoxicating drugs are all various types of human error that can result in, or contribute to, serious motor vehicle accidents.
Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC – Hire a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI
When you need to hire a Grand Rapids motor vehicle accident attorney who is ready to fight for justice on your behalf, please know that the firm of Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, has stood up for injured Michiganders for over 40 years. We are ready to do the same for you. Contact our team when you are ready to get started with your motor vehicle accident claim.
