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Governor Whitmer recently signed an updated traffic legislation that will crack down on distracted driving.
The Houghton County Sheriff Department commented on the law.
“Texting and driving has been a law in Michigan here since 2010. I believe it’s been impactful from a law enforcement perspective. You know, distracted driving nationally, looking at some statistics, over 3000 individuals were killed because of distracted driving in 2021. I believe this law has the potential to help save lives, not only on the enforcement side, but I think it’s going to be really important on the education side, you know, that we all educate our families and teens and young adults and individuals that you see texting and driving or using their devices that it’s much safer to be hands-free.” – Joshua Saaranen, Sheriff of Houghton County
One bill updates the state’s distracted driving laws to include watching and recording videos and using social media, but allows drivers to take advantage of voice-activated or hands-free technology. The bill also allows a court to order drivers to complete a basic driver improvement course if they have three or more civil infractions within a three year period. There are also updates on fines.
There are updates on the accountability of drivers putting themselves or others in danger by making changes regarding commercial vehicles, driving record points, and driver improvement courses.
The Michigan state police will be required to submit a progress report on the effectiveness of the law three and a half years after implementation.
The bill will take effect June 30 of this year.
