April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and local law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to stay focused behind the wheel.
St. Clair County Sheriff Matt King says the penalties for distracted driving can add up quickly under Michigan’s hands-free law.
“The first ticket is $100… second one is $250… and the third one makes it so that fines are higher and you have to complete a course to get your driver’s license back,” King said. “But more importantly is the safety of it all… you’re driving a vehicle that’s thousands of pounds.”
Michigan law makes it illegal to hold or manually use a phone while driving, including texting, calling, or using apps.
King says there are simple ways to avoid distractions, like putting your phone out of reach or setting music and navigation before hitting the road.
The awareness campaign also comes as construction season gets underway across the state. King says drivers need to be especially careful in work zones.
“There’s a lot of people doing hard work to make our roads as good as they can… let’s make sure we’re giving them space… and know that we will have deputies out there doing selective enforcement,” he said.
National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 20–24, highlighting the importance of slowing down and staying alert around road crews.
Drivers who cause injury to a road worker can face significant penalties, including possible prison time.
Meanwhile, Michigan State Police will also be stepping up distracted driving enforcement along I-94 throughout the month, as law enforcement agencies work to crack down on dangerous driving habits.
