A recent report says car-pedestrian fatalities decreased in Michigan but rose across the country.
A report from the Governor's Highway Safety Association said Michigan pedestrian fatalities dropped 19 percent from 2017 to 2018. But nationwide, there was a three percent increase in deaths.
Michigan officials said there are more than a hundred pedestrian deaths annually across the state. Most of those accidents happen at night.
Lieutenant Todd Parsons is with the Michigan State Police. He said rural areas without sidewalks can be dangerous for pedestrians.
“We would strongly suggest that those walking the roadways stay as far off the pavement as possible on the shoulder, again that is difficult this time of year with all the snow we’ve had. That would be our best suggestions for night pedestrian traffic.”
Lieutenant Parsons said pedestrians should carry reflective material or a light when walking at night to make themselves visible to cars.
According to the report by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, law enforcement training and public education programs helped decrease accidents in the state.