The statewide effort by Michigan State Police (MSP), numerous local and county police agencies and traffic safety partners is centered around a shared goal — reducing roadway fatalities by 30 percent by the year 2030 as part of the SAFER by 2030 initiative.

MSP Eighth District Public Information Officer Benjamin Eckola emphasized the department’s commitment to road safety, stating, “One main goal of the MSP is focused on reducing and ultimately preventing serious traffic crashes across Michigan, including here in the Upper Peninsula. We want to see everyone enjoy their summer and reach their destinations safely.”

Eckola also shared several ways drivers can stay safe and reduce their risk of crashes, both year-round and during the busy July holiday.

“While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, you can control your own,” Eckola added. “Some of the best ways for drivers of any age to reduce their risk of being involved in a serious traffic crash are simple. Always wear your seat belt, put your phone and other distractions away while driving, drive within the speed limit and don’t drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs. If you’re traveling during the busy July holiday period, plan extra time to reach your destination. Feeling rushed can lead to speeding, aggressive driving and unnecessary stress. Slow down, be patient and enjoy the trip.”

Michigan State Police (MSP) has outlined various ways drivers and passengers can reduce their risks on the roads year-round and in the summer months. (Photo courtesy of MSP)

In addition to the speed enforcement campaign in July, travelers should also expect to see an increased law enforcement presence throughout the month, according to Eckola. MSP troopers, working alongside local law enforcement partners, will be conducting additional patrols and focusing on hazardous driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving and seat belt violations.

According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), summer travel brings higher speeds and a higher risk as traffic volumes increase with families, young drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists taking to the roads. Alicia Sledge, director of the OHSP, said the speed enforcement campaign aims to save lives.

“As part of the initiative, July’s speed-enforcement campaign reflects our commitment to saving lives on our roads through three key focus areas — Awareness, Engagement and Enforcement,” Sledge said.

In 2024, Michigan recorded 22,260 speed-involved crashes, an increase of 4.2 percent over the 21,357 crashes in 2023, according to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

While speed-involved crashes increased, the number of speed-related fatalities fell from 210 in 2023 to 177 in 2024, a decrease of 15.7 percent.

Additionally, single motor vehicle crashes were the most common crash type associated with speed-involved crashes in 2024 at 71 percent (15,809).

“Speeding is one of the most preventable causes of deadly crashes,” Sledge added. “Exceeding the speed limit reduces reaction time, increases impact forces and raises the risk to all road users. Slowing down is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives.”

Sledge, who also chairs the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission, said the launch of the SAFER by 2030 initiative in December 2025 is already having an impact on traffic safety in Michigan.

“This coordinated enforcement effort is one way we’re putting the initiative into action,” Sledge said. “We urge drivers to obey speed limits, be extra cautious during this busy time and use patience behind the wheel.”

The July speed enforcement campaign is supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the OHSP.

Other participating Upper Peninsula agencies include: Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office; Chocolay Township Police Department; Ishpeming City Police Department; Marquette County Sheriff’s Office; Marquette City Police Department; Negaunee City Police Department; Northern Michigan University Police Department; MSP Calumet, Gladstone, Iron Mountain, Negaunee, Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace and Wakefield Posts; and MSP Eighth District Headquarters.

For more information about speeding and the July speed enforcement campaign, visit the OHSP’s speed web page, https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/ohsp/safety-programs/speeding.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.