Bryan Whitaker

371 HLED
Michigan Driving Laws
Strengths:

Distracted driving is part of Michigans highway safety plan since 2006

Has an all drivers texting ban
Has novice cell ban; cell phone ban for novice drivers
State includes data for crashes that may have contributed by distracted
driving.
Has a plan to update the way distracted driving data is collected
Penalties for distracted driving; first offence is $100, second offence $200
Has taken steps to educate the public in both years 2010 and 2012
Program developed: Thumbs on the Wheel
Collaborated with organizations to develop programs to stop distracted
driving
State Highway and Department of Transportation employees are not allowed
to text and drive.

Weaknesses:

Lack of distracted driving data collection

Lack of state-specific research
Lack of support by enforcement
Lack of a specific distracted driving law
Number of crashes of increased since data has started being recorded
No media campaign against texting and driving
No college research on distracted driving

Summary: Michigan has measures in place to conduct research with data collected
from crash reports that might have been due to distracted driving, unfortunately
there are a lack of resources. Michigan also has laws put in place to punish
distracted drivers in the form of a fine. Right now there is no media campaign to
deter drivers from texting. Although Michigan falls short on some things, it can be
seen that it is trying to address the problem with policy and enforcement.