One of my first promises when I became Governor was to pass legislation to protect Michiganders from the dangers of distracted driving. Last week, we delivered on that promise when I signed a package of bipartisan bills that will reduce crashes and save lives. 

These bills will ban the use of a phone while driving, including sending texts, watching or recording videos, or engaging with social media. This will reduce distracted driving crashes that have taken too many lives across Michigan. Too many Michiganders have lost loved ones to distracted driving, and everyone should be safe on their way to school, home, or work. 

 

So far this year, we have had 322 deaths on Michigan roads. Last year, 1,120 died on Michigan roads. Young drivers accounted for 8% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2018, even though they were only 5.3% of all licensed drivers. 

That's unacceptable. Our goal is to get to 0 traffic deaths by 2050. 

This legislation will make a real difference in working towards our goal by: 

• Helping parents feel peace of mind when their kids are on the move. 
• Protecting pedestrians crossing intersections, bicyclists using bike lanes, and workers in construction zones.
• Moving towards saving lives, reducing crashes, and preventing tragedies.  

Every driver in Michigan knows that their attention must be on the road—not their phone. 

Let's keep working together to make our roads safer for everyone. 

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer
Governor