Is It Time for Michigan to Require Retests for Drivers?

We've all been in traffic stuck behind a driver going waaaay under the speed limit. There's always an assumption that only seniors are bad drivers, but then you eventually pass them and we all give them "The Glare". I'm often shocked when the bad driver is someone the same age as me.

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There are plenty of people who should just not be on the roads. Or maybe they're decent drivers, but the thing they're driving is barely road-legal, to the point where it's a wonder it can still drive. Plenty of states around the country have driving tests, is it time for Michigan to join?

⬇️MICHIGAN'S 10 MOST STOLEN VEHICLES⬇️

The Facts

Michigan ranks 17th in auto accidents in the US, with 1,124 traffic deaths in 2022. Oakland County (32,038), Macomb County (21,871), and Kent County (20,091) are the three counties around Michigan with the most crashes, with a total of 282, 640 crashes in 2021.

Contrary to popular belief, most accidents took place in the 25-34 (224) age group, with 35-44 (183), and 44-54 (159) having the most fatalities by age group. Distracted driving made up 14% of all crashes (

National Vehicle Checks

Around the country, 19 states require yearly or bi-annual vehicle safety inspections, and 31 states require emissions testing (tests to make sure a vehicle is not releasing more greenhouse gases/pollutants than your state allows) of some kind. Michigan is only one of 10 states that don't require vehicle safety inspections or emission tests of any kind. 

READ MORE: Famously Car-less Mackinac Island's Only Known Car Accident

Only two states, Illinois and New Hampshire, require retesting for license renewals, but these are only for senior citizens. 10 states require drivers to have vision tests before renewal, but none require a literal driving test to ensure drivers are still adequate to be behind the wheel. Should Michigan consider doing this?

Should Michigan Do A Test?

While my mother would be over the moon to get some bad drivers off the road, there isn't much research to support enforcing inspections or driving tests. Studies show a minimal decrease in car accidents from having these vehicle inspections, and many civilians feel these inspections are a waste of time and money.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHSTA) does have positive findings about making drivers perform a vision test before a license renewal, which Michigan already does. So, as it stands, you'll just want to continue to be a defensive driver and lay on the horn when one of the bad drivers comes around.