Texting while driving is illegal in Michigan. State law bans people from reading, typing, or sending a text message while driving. If ticketed for texting while driving, drivers can be fined $100 for a first offense and $200 for a second or subsequent offense.

Michigan Does Not Have a “Hands-Free” Law… Yet

Many states in the U.S. have a “hands-free” law, which bans drivers’ use of mobile devices for any reason. Michigan doesn’t have a statewide hands-free law, though safety advocates and some lawmakers hope to change that.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has voiced support for legislation banning mobile device use by drivers. Though bills concerning this potential risk have been introduced in the state legislature, it has yet to become law.

Some cities have enacted laws that ban all use of cell phones by drivers. For example, Battle Creek has a local ordinance banning the use of all mobile devices by drivers.

Making Michigan Roads Safer

Approximately 400,000 people are injured in distracted driving crashes every year in the U.S., but statewide efforts to reduce these crashes show results. For example, Georgia saw a 10% decrease in distraction-related fatalities after state lawmakers enacted a hands-free law.

However, safety advocates note that even a hands-free law won’t completely rid our roads of distraction-related accidents. That’s because several other forms of distraction also put road users at risk for accidents and injuries. Other common distractions include:

  • Excessive noise from too many passengers in a vehicle
  • Eating, drinking, or smoking behind the wheel
  • Listening to excessively loud music or talk radio
  • Trying to recover an item that is out-of-reach
  • Looking at crashes or other distracting events occurring outside the vehicle (rubbernecking)

Any activity that can take your hands, eyes, or mind off the task of driving can lead to a distracted driving accident. Even having a conversation on a hands-free device can increase your risk of being involved in a crash.

To make our roads safer, each of us should take greater responsibility over our own actions behind the wheel. However, we have no control over what our fellow drivers do. The best way to deter all drivers from distracted driving is holding them accountable when they cause others harm.

At Fieger Law, We Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable

Distracted driving victims face many problems after crashes. Fieger Law believes victims deserve compensation to cover all of their crash-related costs. We fight to get our clients compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income (past and future)
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

We make sure that our clients get the help they need to rebuild their lives after they’re injured by distracted drivers. If you were hurt by a distracted driver, we offer free consultations to help you better understand your legal options. You’re under no obligation to move forward with our firm if you decide not to pursue a claim.

If you’d like to speak with our Michigan car accident lawyers, simply give us a call or fill out our online form to schedule a free case assessment.