Distracted driving bill signed into law

MICHIGAN (WNEM) - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the Distracted Driving Bill into law Wednesday, June 7.

Drivers will now be banned from using their cell phone at all while driving, including taking a phone call or while stopped at a red light.

A point system will be established to put on the driver’s record if they are caught more than one time.

“You will see a real campaign to ensure that the public understands that the law has changed, what the expectations are, and that will be reinforced in a number of way,” Whitmer said.

Using the hands free mode on your car, having a Bluetooth device, or using phones for navigation is still allowed as long as they’re not being held in your hand.

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said he and Whitmer believe the law will drastically reduce the number of distracted driving crashes.

“We think that this can have an impact quickly because every life lost, every person hurt, is one that’s preventable if people aren’t distracted,” he said. “So we think this will make a big difference and keep our families together.”

Gilchrist added other states that have implemented the law saw a significant drop in crashes.

The law will go into effect Friday, June 30.

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