LANSING, Mich. — An effort to curb distracted driving would ban all Michigan drivers from using a handheld cellphone when behind the wheel, except in an emergency.
Legislation introduced earlier this week would prohibit cellphone use by drivers; offenders face a fine and community service. Sanctions get tougher for repeat offenders, including points to their driving record.
"What’s really important and mission-critical here is folks understand that they can’t be buried in their phone while they’re driving their vehicles,’’ said state Rep. Mari Manoogian, a co-sponsor of the legislation.
Technology embedded in vehicles as well as hands-free devices provide other options, she said.
There are exemptions, including for law enforcement officers and calls to report criminal activity, drunk drivers, traffic accidents, road hazards, fires and other emergencies.
Other states have laws in place prohibiting handheld cellphone use while driving.
A new law took effect last summer in Indiana that bans drivers from using handheld cellphones. Indiana became the 22nd state to prohibit drivers from holding or using a handheld mobile device while driving, according to an Associated Press article.
In Michigan, lawmakers passed legislation in 2010 prohibiting texting while driving. Violators face a $100 fine.
Under the legislation introduced earlier this week, first-time offenders of the cellphone ban face a $100 fine and 16 hours of community service.
Community service, Manoogian said, is a way for offenders to give back.
“There are many different ways that we can properly use the penalty system to ensure that folks are putting their phones down while they are driving,’’ she said. “We can do this enforcement in many different ways; community service is one option.’’
Manoogian, D-Birmingham, said advances in technology has taken distracted driving to a new level.
“I couldn’t think of a better time to introduce the legislation,’’ Manoogian said. There’s more people using Zoom and other video conferencing platforms to connect with their offices.’’
The legislation comes at a time when distracted driving accidents continue to increase.
According to state records, 43 people died in distracted driving crashes in 2016. In 2019, 70 people died in distracted driving crashes.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Department is one of several West Michigan law enforcement agencies that participate in annual campaigns to raise awareness about distracted driving.
“Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced driver, falling victim to distracted driving, including texting while driving, can be incredibly dangerous,’’ Kent County Sheriff’s Sgt. Joy Matthews said. “It takes a matter of seconds for tragedy to happen because a driver is distracted.’’
Michigan law currently prohibits a driver from reading, manually typing, or sending a text message while driving. There are exceptions for reporting crashes, crimes and other emergencies.
“With today’s vehicle and cellular communication advancements, this is common sense legislation that will help ensure the safety of drivers in the state of Michigan,’’ Rep. Mike Mueller, R-Linden, said in a news release. He is a co-sponsor of the legislation.
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