Traffic deaths in state decline in 2014

LANSING (AP) — Michigan traffic deaths totaled less than 900 last year for the first time since 2011 despite an increase in the total number of crashes in 2014, according to officials.

There were 876 traffic deaths in 2014, down eight percent from 951 in 2013, the state’s Office of Highway Safety Planning said.

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute will review the figures to determine the reason for the decline, said Michael L. Prince, director of the office.

“The next step is further review and analysis ... to better understand these changes,” Prince said in a statement.