Michigan drivers had better focus on the road or face stiff penalties as police across the state ramp up patrols for Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Michigan law enforcement agencies, including the state police, are increasing their presence to catch and penalize distracted drivers throughout April, as reported by FOX 2. The crackdown aligns with the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month initiative, focusing on those not paying full attention to their driving duties.
Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw emphasized the dangers, stating "There’s three types of distraction," which includes visual, cognitive, or anything that takes your hands off the wheel. Shaw's remarks came as statistics from Michigan Traffic Crash Facts pointed to 15,441 distracted driving crashes occurring in 2022—accidents that claimed the lives of 57 people and injured 5,905 more. He highlighted that these were "all preventable" tragedies. Michigan has already seen grim data when it comes to such around-the-wheel negligence with Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent, and Ottawa counties topping the charts for distracted driving incidents.
Further tightening the state’s stance, a hands-free driving law enacted last summer prohibits drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving, including at stop lights. The action speaks to the urgency of keeping drivers' full attention fixed on the road amidst unpredictable conditions. "Things can happen very quickly on the roadway that are not in the driver’s control," Lt. Kim Vetter told WNEM. She added that they're "working to stop and remind motorists that it is important that they not drive distracted."
The financial repercussion for flouting this law starts at a $100 fine, and repeat offenders could face subsequent fines, community service, or mandatory driving improvement classes. According to Shaw in an statement obtained by FOX 2, even eating an egg McMuffin on your lap could lead to a careless driving violation, which carries more points than a hands-free violation. Reflecting an unyielding stance, MSP Sgt. Casey Trucks remarked to hoodline, "It's zero excuses time," after citing the visible decrease in drivers physically handling phones post-law enactment.
As the public navigates the roads amid upcoming construction and continuous technological distractions, the onus falls not just on the enforcers but also on the citizens themselves. The message being hammered home this month resonates with clear intent: eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and minds on safety.
