BIG RAPIDS — In 2019 there were 18,096 distracted driving crashes, with 70 fatalities, in Michigan, according to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month, and April 8-12, the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety will be joining forces across the state, and across the country to intensify enforcement of state and local texting and distracted-driving laws, and to raise awareness about the dangers and legal implications of distracted driving as part of the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay” campaign.
“Every day, we ticket drivers who haven’t gotten the message that using their cell phones while they drive is illegal, and puts every other road user at risk,” Chief of Police Danielle Haynes said. “We all know the dangers associated with distracted driving. Whether it’s eating and drinking behind the wheel, using GPS, talking to other vehicle passengers or using the cell phone, it’s all dangerous when you’re driving.
“We are determined to impress upon these drivers, ‘Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road,’” she said.
Analysis by the AAA Foundation of 2009-12 data found that while more than 80% of drivers believed it was completely unacceptable for a motorist to text behind the wheel, more than a third of those same drivers admitted to reading text messages while operating a motor vehicle themselves.
“People know texting and driving is dangerous and illegal, but they do it anyway, and it puts others at risk,” Officer William Sell said. “Beginning April 8, you will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving. And we are not trying to rack up citations — we are trying to save lives.
“If you text and drive, you will pay.”
Mecosta County Sheriff Brian Miller said that although they do not have a specific campaign to address distracted driving during the month of April, deputies will be making it a focus of their patrols.
“Our deputies will be observing drivers to see if they are on their phones and if people’s attention is away from the roadway where it should be,” Miller said.
“We are very much aware of the volume of distracted driving crashes that we have had here in Michigan and the fatalities that were the result of some of those,” he continued. “With some of those being pedestrians and other non-occupants, it is important that we educate and remind the public to put down their phones or use a hands-free devise when driving.”
According to NHTSA, young drivers 16- to 24-years-old have been observed using handheld electronic devices at higher rates than older drivers since 2007.
In 2019, 9% of people killed in teen-driving crashes, ages 15-19, died when teen drivers were distracted at the time of the crash.
“Distracted driving is something that is important to not just those in law enforcement, but to the community at large, and with teens that are just learning to drive it is especially important,” Miller said.
Michigan law prohibits a driver from reading, manually typing or sending a text message while driving. Penalties for violating the law are civil infractions and fines. For a first offense, motorists are fined $100. Subsequent offenses are $200.
Haynes said they will have officers focusing efforts on education and enforcement by conducting traffic stops when they see a violation.
The Big Rapids Police Department and NHTSA are urging drivers to put their phones down when they get behind the wheel, she said.
The NHTSA offers these steps for a phone-free driving experience:
• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
• Designate a passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
• Cell phone use can be habit-forming. If you are struggling to not text and drive, put the cell phone out of reach in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.
For more information, visit trafficsafetymarketing.gov.
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Drivers beware: Local law enforcement focusing on distracted driving - The Pioneer
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