Societal Cost of Crash and Crime

Societal Costs of Traffic Crashes and crimes in Michigan: 2023 update

The costs of traffic crashes and crime are borne by many different segments of society, beginning with the victim whose loss often far exceeds the value of property damaged or goods stolen. This research underscores just how devastating traffic crashes and crimes are for families and the economic burden they place on society. By estimation of the dollar losses to society from injury, loss of life, and property damages, cost data on crashes and crime are integral to providing a common measure for evaluating the benefits of various policy alternatives aimed at addressing these public health issues.

The economic and social consequences of traffic crashes and crime are significant factors for policymakers to consider, particularly as resources to alleviate these burdens are often scarce. This research can assist in creating more effective solutions to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes and crime, leading to economic savings.

Road safety remains one of the most challenging issues facing Michigan as evidenced by the billions of dollars in monetary and nonmonetary costs resulting from traffic crashes.

The Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan State Police have committed to continuing the Toward Zero Deaths strategy, a campaign that is based on the National Strategy on Highway Safety and intended to influence driver behavior and improve safety. 

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