Improving Michigan’s Road Safety Record
Cars are the heart of soul of Michigan. From the Motor City to the quiet byways of the Upper Peninsula, millions of families rely on cars to work and play, day in and day out. Safety on the road affects every Michigander, and the state has some ambitious goals to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2050. It won’t be an easy journey, but we can all get there together.
Michigan’s Road Traffic Safety Goals
Road safety is under the purvey of the Michigan Department of Transportation, or MDOT. The agency’s mandate includes motorized and non-motorized transportation initiatives, road construction and maintenance and, crucially, road safety.
MDOT’s stated goal is to eliminate road traffic fatalities in the state by 2050, although it faces an uphill battle. In 2022, over 1,100 people died in car accidents on Michigan roads, adding to the tragic national total of 42,800.
According to agency data, someone dies every 7 hours and 45 minutes on Michigan roadways. Distracted driving is believed to be a key contributor to the increased risk of fatalities in Michigan, with texting and mobile phone use believed to be the most common offender. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Virginia Tech Transporation Institute, distracted driving is the leading cause of most crashes, ahead of drunk driving, weather, and other common causes.
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To combat distracted driving, MDOT and the Michigan legislature introduced a Distracted Driving Law that makes it illegal to manually operate a cell phone or other electronic device while operating a vehicle. If drivers are caught making a phone call, texting, using social media, or interacting with their phone in any way, they face steep penalties that get progressively severe with each violation.
First violation - $100 fine or 16 hours of community service
Second violation - $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service
Three violations within three years - Complete a driving safety course
If a driver is found to have been actively using their cell phone during a crash, any applicable fines are doubled for the violation.
How to Avoid Distracted Driving
Cell phones are an integral part of daily life, and you may have legitimate reasons for taking a call on the go. Drivers are responsible for everyone on the ride, so if you must answer or use your phone, find a safe place to stop and call that person back. Here are a few ways to avoid using your phone while driving.
Put it on silent. Set your phone to silent or Do Not Disturb to stop calls or texts while driving; wait to check your phone when you arrive at your destination.
If you can’t resist, put your phone out of reach while driving to remove the temptation.
Ask passengers to help navigate or reply to text messages and phone calls if you must reply.
Remember that every other driver and their family rely on you to drive safely so we can all get home. Put the phone down and ensure everyone has a safe trip.
Maintenance Is a Safety Issue, Too
Driving safely starts by eliminating distractions, but regular maintenance also plays a role. Keeping your vehicle in excellent condition improves braking, smooth acceleration, and overall performance, which reduces the risk of mechanical failure. Garfield Auto has helped northern Michigan drivers keep their vehicles well-maintained and safe to drive for generations. Connect with our friendly, knowledgeable mechanics today.