LANSING – In an effort to better protect Michigan motorists, the House Transportation Committee on Thursday voted in favor of a plan sponsored by State Representatives Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Twp.) and Gino H. Polidori (D-Dearborn) to make text messaging while driving in Michigan illegal. The plan now heads to the House floor for a vote.
"Drivers are responsible for one task – to drive," Gonzales said. "This issue is not about convenience – it is about safety and we can no longer ignore the dangers of driving while 'intexticated.' This plan will send a clear message that text messaging while driving is unacceptable behavior in our state."
The lawmakers' plan will prohibit drivers in Michigan from reading, writing or sending text messages while driving, except to report accidents, crimes, emergencies or other similar situations. Text messaging while driving will be considered a secondary offence, meaning drivers only will be cited for it if they are stopped by police for an additional infraction. Drivers who are caught text messaging while driving will receive a ticket, but no points will be added to their driving record.
Nearly 80 percent of accidents and 65 percent of near-accidents involve a driver looking away from the roadway within three seconds of the event, according to a 2006 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Eighteen states and the District of Columbia already have completely banned texting while driving; nine other states have enacted bans for novice drivers, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.
"When people text and drive, they are putting their lives and the lives of others at risk," Polidori said. "As more and more people use their cell phones behind the wheel, it's vital that we take action to protect our residents' safety. It's time Michigan joins the ranks of more than a dozen other states and helps put an end to distracted driving."