NEWS RELEASE
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, four people died on Michigan roadways making a total of 112 this year. In addition, 79 more were seriously injured for a statewide total of 564 to date.
Compared to last year at this time, there are 25 fewer fatalities and 34 more serious injuries.
Numbers are provided by the Michigan State Police.
Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, March 3-9
Millions of vehicles are recalled each year, so it’s essential to include vehicle safety recall information in any road safety communication plan. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has material that helps inform vehicle owners about the process of checking for safety recalls and getting a recall repair and educates drivers about the importance of regularly checking their car for recalls.
NHTSA urges vehicle owners to check their vehicle for open recalls during Vehicle Safety Recalls Week March 3-9. In 2023, there were 1,000 safety recalls issued for vehicles, car seats, tires, RVs and other equipment. More than 34 million vehicles were recalled.
Checking for recalls is free, quick, and easy. Remember that every vehicle recall is important and should be repaired immediately. Your diligence will help keep you and others safe on the roadways.
NHTSA has two ways to check for open safety recalls:
- First, drivers can use the free, user-friendly Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Look-Up Tool, located at gov/recalls. This web tool allows vehicle owners to check for open and unrepaired safety recalls on their vehicles or automotive equipment, such as tires and car seats, for the past 15 calendar years. While there, vehicle owners can sign up for Recall Alerts. If a vehicle is included in a future recall, they’ll receive an email letting them know.
- Drivers can also check for open safety recalls by downloading the free SaferCar app. Once in the app, enter a vehicle’s VIN. The user will be notified of all related recalls, even directing them to local dealerships so they can quickly make an appointment and get it fixed quickly and for free.
If a driver believes their vehicle may have a safety-related defect that isn’t part of a current recall, contact NHTSA online at NHTSA.gov or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. Sometimes just one complaint is enough to trigger a safety recall. For more information on NHTSA’s Vehicle Recalls, visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls.
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