NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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The goal is zero fatalities and serious injuries on Michigan roads through the implementation of the Safe System Approach. Since last week, 10 people died on Michigan roadways making a total of 519 this year. In addition, 119 more were seriously injured for a statewide total of 2,712 to date.
Compared to last year at this time, there are 15 fewer fatalities and 193 fewer serious injuries.
Numbers are provided by the Michigan State Police.
Vehicle Theft Prevention Month
Most Americans depend on their personal vehicles for essential transportation needs, such as commuting, attending appointments, and carrying out daily errands. Vehicle ownership plays a vital role in granting individuals the freedom and self-reliance they value. Losing a vehicle to theft not only causes a substantial financial setback, but also creates a deep sense of vulnerability and disruption.
Join the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Insurance Crime Bureau to help protect vehicle owners and their vehicles by providing information about vehicle security. A reminder: July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month — a good opportunity to increase vehicle theft prevention messaging.
Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States, costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion annually. More than one million vehicles were stolen in 2023 — this accounts for a 25% increase in vehicle theft totals over the previous few years. Passenger cars have historically made up most of the stolen vehicles. Estimates show that approximately one vehicle is stolen every 31 seconds.
Here are some tips to keep your vehicle safe:
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Hide valuables.
- Don’t leave a running vehicle unattended.
- If your vehicle has an immobilizer, use your key fob to lock your vehicle.
- Don’t leave your keys in your vehicle — including when you fill up at the gas station.
- Consider purchasing extra layers of protection for your vehicle if your manufacturer does not provide an anti-theft system. These can easily be purchased online or in a store.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Hyundai and Kia models took the top three spots of America’s most stolen vehicles in 2023. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Ford F-150 series pickup also made the list.
In response to a TikTok social media challenge that resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities, Hyundai and Kia rolled out free theft-deterrent software and hardware modifications.
In addition to preventing thefts, drivers can use vehicle recovery systems to locate stolen vehicles and lessen the economic impact of the theft.
For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit NHTSA.gov/theft.
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