According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) distracted driving is the leading cause of fatal and serious injury car crashes. According to NHTSA, the following statistics are true:
- Texting while driving at 55 mph is compared to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
- 20% of individuals killed in a car crash by distracted drivers were pedestrians or bicyclist.
- Drivers who text or read emails while driving had slower reaction times then drivers with blood alcohol levels of .08 or the legal limit in Michigan.
- Hands Free talking can be just as dangerous as using a handheld phone and talking on a cell phone causes drivers to have their visual field limited by more than 50%.
Safe Driving Tips from the Michigan State Police
- Set radio stations, climate control, GPS, and other devices before you begin driving.
- Set your vehicle or phone to driving mode if available.
- Keep necessary items within easy reach to prevent reaching down to the floor or back seat.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while driving.
- Pull off the road to attend to children or pets.
- Do personal grooming before leaving home or after reaching your destination.
- Avoid talking on the phone if possible.
Distracted Driving is Illegal in Michigan
Michigan law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld cell phone to text while driving. See MCL 257.602b(1). A conviction could result in serious jail time if distracted driving resulted in a serious injury to a motorist. Most states have laws against distracted driving and a violation could lead to a suspended license. Parents must set a good example for children and never drive while distracted and make sure to frequently talk to young drivers about the dangers of driving while distracted.
Logeman, Iafrate & Logeman, P.C., is an experienced personal injury law firm practicing in the State of Michigan for more than 40 years. We are dedicated to providing outstanding client service, and skilled legal advocacy in every case. If you have been injured in a serious accident or have questions about your personal injury claim, contact our Ann Arbor firm for a free consultation.