Talking Michigan Transportation A look at crash fatality numbers and an update on work zone safety cameras
Apr 9, 2026
Gregg Brunner, MDOT Chief Operations Officer who leads statewide roadway operations and safety programs, discusses the recent drop in Michigan highway fatalities. He talks about factors behind improved safety and specific road design fixes. He outlines work zone tech pilots and the push to implement safety cameras while urging drivers to slow down and stay buckled.
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National Fatalities Declined In 2025
- U.S. traffic deaths fell about 7% in 2025 to ~36,000, returning to near 2019 levels.
- Gregg Brunner notes fatality rate ~1.1 per 100 million vehicle miles and pedestrian/cyclist deaths remain unusually high.
Systemic Road Design Changes Reduce Risk
- MDOT shifted from spot-intersection fixes to systemic countermeasures across the network.
- Examples include wider six-inch pavement markings, rumble strips, and increased signing to aid drivers and vehicle sensors.
Wrong Way Detection Cuts Fatal Crashes
- MDOT is deploying wrong-way driving detection and static enhancements like red reflective sheeting and extra arrows.
- Early stats show a notable decline in wrong-way fatal crashes following these interventions.