Michigan’s Hands-Free Law Driving Road Safety Improvements

News Summary

Michigan’s recent survey shows the state’s hands-free driving law is effectively reducing phone usage while driving, resulting in approximately 96,000 fewer distracted drivers. Despite progress, challenges remain, especially among young drivers and seat belt usage, indicating a need for ongoing enforcement and awareness. The law aims to enhance safety on the roads, but drivers must actively participate to ensure everyone’s safety.

Michigan’s Hands-Free Law Making a Difference!

As the warm weather settles in Michigan, you might have noticed fewer drivers glued to their phones behind the wheel. This shift is no coincidence! A recent annual survey by Michigan State University has revealed some exciting news about the effectiveness of the state’s hands-free driving law. With the law aiming to reduce distractions while driving, it looks like it’s already making strides in enhancing road safety.

What Did the Survey Find?

The survey was conducted over a period of 21 days during daylight hours, beginning right after Memorial Day. Researchers monitored over 200 locations in 35 counties, covering a massive 85% of fatal crashes in Michigan! Guess what? They found a reduction of 1.2 percentage points in handheld device use compared to last year. This translates to approximately 96,000 fewer drivers using their phones while driving, a significant achievement for the state! With around 8 million licensed drivers in Michigan, every little bit helps to keep our roadways safe.

Spotting Trends Among Different Drivers

Interestingly, the survey highlighted that young drivers, particularly those under the age of 30, are still the ones most likely to use handheld devices. In fact, this younger crowd is twice as likely to be on their phones compared to drivers aged 30 to 59. It appears that a little extra enforcement among younger folks might still be needed!

Seat Belts and Safety – A Different Story

Alongside mobile device use, the survey also took a look at seat belt usage among front-seat passengers. Unfortunately, this aspect isn’t looking as good. After the COVID-19 pandemic, seat belt use has dropped from 94% to 92%. Young males driving pickup trucks have shown the lowest rates of wearing seat belts. This is definitely a reminder that while we may be cutting down on phone use, we must not forget the basic safety practices that can save lives.

The Law in Action

This is at least the second study showing decreased handheld device use since the hands-free law rolled out. Law enforcement has reported that despite a rise in tickets and educational campaigns, there is still notable cellphone use while driving. Over 19,463 citations have been issued for hands-free law violations, with more than 14,000 resulting in convictions. Sadly, the statistics are concerning—there were 15,441 distracted-driver crashes across the state in 2022, which led to 57 fatalities and nearly 6,000 injuries.

What’s Next for Drivers?

Despite the positive news surrounding decreasing handheld use, the task is far from complete. Officers are still facing challenges with compliance, with many drivers claiming ignorance of the law—even with all the extensive educational efforts officially launched. The hands-free law clearly states that handling phones while behind the wheel isn’t allowed. However, drivers can still use Bluetooth or voice-activated functions legally. Violations can result in fines and even community service.

Clearly, the laws are in place to enhance safety, but as drivers, we all have a role to play. Buckling up and putting down that phone can save lives—not just ours, but everyone sharing the road.

As Michigan moves forward, let’s keep working together to ensure safer travels for everyone. After all, we all want to arrive at our destinations in one piece!

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Additional Resources

• WZZM 13: Michigan’s Hands-Free Law Making a Difference!
• MLive: Michigan Drivers Aren’t Putting Their Phones Down
• Eastern Progress: No. 18 Michigan State Beats WMU for Sixth Straight Win
• Fox 47 News: Preparing for Winter, Lansing Officials and Local Shelters Are Collecting Items for Those in Need
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety