In Partnership With

LANd anywhere! Start your travel at the Capital Region International Airport. Learn More

Insurance Alliance Reminds Michiganders Distracted Driving Law Has Taken Effect

July 10, 2023

Michigan Business Network

Distracted driving law enforcement began Friday, June 30

LANSING, Mich. – As thousands of Michiganders were hitting the roadways for the Independence Day holiday, the Insurance Alliance of Michigan (IAM) reminded drivers that the state’s new distracted driving law took effect on Friday, June 30.

The new bipartisan law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer now prohibits driving and holding a cell phone for any use, unless there is an emergency, and assesses fines for violations. Data from the Michigan State Police shows in 2021 more than 16,000 motor vehicle crashes involved a distracted driver and 59 of those crashes resulted in a fatality.

“The data clearly shows that distracted driving causes needless crashes each and every year across the state of Michigan,” said Erin McDonough, executive director of IAM. “We commend lawmakers and Gov. Whitmer for taking action on this important consumer safety measure. Reducing distracted drivers on Michigan roadways can help prevent automotive crashes and injuries that result from those accidents.”

###

IAM is a government affairs and public information association that represents auto, home and business insurance companies and related organizations operating in Michigan. Learn more about IAM and its members on Facebook, Twitter or at www.insurancealliancemichigan.org.

At the same time…

Gov. Whitmer Launches New PSA, Reminding Michiganders as Hands-Free Driving Laws Takes Effect

LANSING, Mich. – Meanwhile, Governor Gretchen Whitmer also launched a new public service announcement reminding Michiganders that hands-free driving laws to prevent distracted driving and save lives has taken effect.

“I was proud to sign bipartisan legislation earlier this month to reduce distracted driving in Michigan and save lives,” said Governor Whitmer. “The new law is a step toward reducing distracted driving deaths and making sure everyone can be safe on their way to school, home, or work. By each doing our part to set down the phone and keep our hands, eyes, and mind on the road, we can all contribute to our goal to see zero traffic deaths by 2050.”

Governor Whitmer signed the legislation into law earlier in June at the Mitchel Kiefer Memorial Ice Rink, alongside state officials and anti-distracted driving leaders.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission (GTSAC) was formed by an executive order in 2002 to identify traffic safety challenges and champion strategies to address them. The GTSAC develops regular Strategic Highway Safety Plans to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. The Commission developed the last plan in 2019 with a focus on distracted driving and by working together, Michigan’s traffic safety partners have been able to reduce distracted driver fatalities by six percent and reduce fatalities involving drivers under 21 by eight percent.

After introducing a hands-free law in April, Ohio has seen a nine percent drop in distracted driving in just one month, preventing over 500 crashes.

Katie Bower, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, said while there are improvements in some areas, there is still much work to be done to stop risky-driving behaviors like distracted driving.

“We need to take distracted driving as seriously as we do drunk or drugged driving because they all have similar, tragic outcomes,” said Bower. “This new law helps deter people from holding and manually using their mobile devices while driving. With the assistance of available technology, there is no excuse to take your hands off the wheel. Our message is simple: Just drive. We must educate drivers about these dangerous driving behaviors as we work to save lives and prevent crashes and fatalities on our roads.”

Watch the public service announcement by clicking the following image.