Putting the brakes on distracted driving
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ESCANABA -- As summer traffic increases throughout the area, local law enforcement is reminding drivers to put their phones down and stay focused behind the wheel.
According to a recent poll posted on the Daily Press’ social media, over 80% of participants said they have seen someone in the local area texting and driving within the last couple of months.
There are three main types of distraction that the Michigan State Police (MSP) considers distracted driving: taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel and taking your mind off the drive. MSP said texting is the most alarming distraction for drivers because it involves all three types of distraction.
According to the agency, distracted driving remains a persistent safety concern. The MSP Eighth District -- including the Gladstone Post -- are working to combat the issue through public awareness campaigns, driver education and proactive traffic enforcement.
“We have a few main ways we try to reduce distracted driving,” said Lt. Ben Eckola, MSP Eighth District public information officer. “First, by continually raising awareness through public messaging campaigns, social media and partnerships with local media."
For example, during Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, police agencies throughout the state teamed up with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) for a high-visibility enforcement effort of the law.
"Second, we focus on education through in-person presentations, community outreach and hands-on training," Eckola said.
Earlier this month, MSP Gladstone Post Trooper Alex Carlson attended a 906 Drive class at the Escanaba High School. Carlson distributed free car safety kits and talked to students about a variety of driving safety issues, including distracted driving.
"Take in everything that's going on, and don’t get distracted by stuff that's going on in your car," Carlson said. "Put (the phone) down, it can wait. Trust me, nothing on your phone is that important."
Carlson also told the students that in June, a local driver that was on their phone rear ended an individual that died as a result of the crash.
"It is completely avoidable. That can affect your life forever," Carlson added.
Another example of MSP's ongoing education efforts is the free Teen Defensive Driving Program.
MSP is hosting two Teen Defensive Driving courses in the Upper Peninsula, one on Aug. 15 in Brimley and another on Aug.16 at the Gladstone High School. Both locations offer two sessions open to students who have completed at least Segment 1 of driver's education.
The Teen Defensive Driving Program was developed through a project administered by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"These free programs give teen drivers hands-on instruction and encourage safe driving habits," Eckola added.
In addition to daily patrols, MSP districts and posts conduct special traffic enforcement details throughout the year. The MSP Eighth District also has a dedicated traffic safety team that focuses on traffic safety.
The Escanaba Department of Public Safety (EDPS) also has extra patrols specifically to enforce distracted driving laws, EDPS Captain Austin Young said.
“Distracted driving has become a common and dangerous thing. If you’re thinking about texting and driving, think about pulling over safely and then sending the message or calling,” Young advised.
Michigan has strengthened its distracted driving laws in recent years.
In 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill making it illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads.
Under Michigan's Hands-Free Law, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms, or shoulders.
As a result, Michiganders behind the wheel cannot make or answer a telephone or video call; send or read a text or email message; watch, record or send a video; access, read or post to social media; browse or use the internet; or enter information into GPS or a navigation system.
Even if a cell phone or other device is mounted on your dashboard or connected to the vehicle's built-in system, drivers cannot use their hands to operate it beyond a single touch.
Violating Michigan’s Hands-free Law can be costly. A first offense carries a $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service. A second offense carries a $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service. A third offense within a three-year period requires the driver to complete a driving improvement course.
Additionally, if a traffic crash occurs and the at-fault driver was holding or manually using a mobile device while operating the vehicle, any civil fines will be doubled.
According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver decreased by 4.6% from 15,136 in 2023 to 14,439 in 2024. However, the number of fatalities in distraction-involved crashes increased 10% from 59 fatalities in 2023 to 65 in 2024.
"While fewer distracted-driving crashes is encouraging news, the increase in mobile device use and distracted-driving-related fatalities is alarming," said Alicia Sledge, OHSP director. "Nearly 300 people have died in distraction-involved crashes in Michigan from 2020 to 2024. That should concern every roadway user and underscores the need for people to embrace safer-driving habits."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also reported driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes.
MSP encourages all drivers to put their phones away, eliminate distractions and keep their attention on the road.
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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.