New data shows Michigan traffic-related deaths stayed at a very high level in 2022, continuing an alarming trend over the last five years.

Michigan police are looking to combat a rise in fatal crashes by cracking down on speeding drivers.

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Newly released traffic data shows increases in fatalities in vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian involved incidents in Michigan in 2020, despite a drop in total crashes.

Law enforcement across Michigan are ramping up patrols of drivers illegally passing school busses as a part of School Bus Safety Week. Operation Safe Stop is part of national School Bus Safety Week, which runs October 19-23. Michigan bus drivers conducted a one-day survey in May 2019. In just that one day, the 1,373 participating bus drivers reported 508 times that a motorist passed a school bus illegally. Drivers who pass stopped school buses may be charged with civil infractions carrying a fine between $100 and $500.

Students at 62 Michigan high schools benefited from efforts to make teenagers better, safer drivers by participating in Strive For a Safer Drive, or S4SD, a public-private partnership between Ford Driving Skills for Life and the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, OHSP. High School and Harper CreekCass County: Cassopolis Ross BeattyChippewa County: RudyardClare-Gladwin Cos: Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District (RESD)Eaton County: Grand Ledge and PottervilleGenesee County: Atherton Jr./Sr. The top five campaigns were selected and those winning schools will win a cash prize ranging from $500 to $1,500. Following their activities, schools had the opportunity to send students to a free hands-on driving clinic with professional driving instructors sponsored by Ford Driving Skills for Life. Programs like Strive For a Safer Drive and Driving Skills for Life have been shown to be successful in helping young, novice drivers make smart decisions behind the wheel, said Jim Graham, the global manager for Ford Driving Skills for Life.