According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, in 2023, there were 2,380 motor vehicle crashes involving Michigan drivers using a cell phone, which resulted in 8 fatalities.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Bloomfield Township Police Department wants to remind drivers about Michigan’s Hands-Free Law, which makes it illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads.
Additionally, you cannot manually do any of the following on a cell phone or other electronic device while driving:
- 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.
- Enter information into GPS or a navigation system.
Per Community Relations Officer Heather Glowacz, “Sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds, long enough to cover a football field while driving 55 MPH.”
Learn more at Hands Free Michigan or visit the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning Distracted Driving Web Page.
Any questions? Please call 248-433-7755 or Email BTPD.
This April, and moving forward, ignore your phone and get where you’re going safely.