LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As Michigan drivers and law enforcement have become more used to the new hands free driving law, several government entities have weighed in on the effectiveness of the law a month after its passing. 

For officers in Berrien County, there has certainly been an increase in the number of tickets for using phones while driving. 

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Despite a month since the law was passed, there are still many drivers still unaware of the extent of the law according to Chief Deputy of Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, Greg Sanders. 

“I think there’s a bad habit that people have gotten into with using that phone all the time. Even if it is on the mount, the law says that you’re not supposed to use it other than one touch,” said Sanders.

Overall, the law has helped officers identify more distracted drivers, but the focus for the drivers also has to change. 

“We need to get these drivers focused more on driving, and less on social media and phone calls. And this will help our officers and everybody in the community become safer while driving,” said Sanders.

When Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the law into effect at the end of June, she expressed her hopes for it. 

“Too many Michiganders have lost loved ones to distracted driving, and everyone should be safe on their way to school, home, or work,” said Governor Whitmer. “We developed our last Strategic Highway Safety Plan in 2019 and already we have seen a reduction in the number of fatalities caused by distracted driving. These bills are another step toward reducing that number even further. Our goal is to see zero traffic deaths by 2050 and I know that by working together we can get it done.”

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Just prior to the new hands free driving law, the Michigan Department of Highway Safety reported data that indicated since 2018, there had been a 15% increase in the number of traffic crash deaths, many of which were the result of cell phone use. 

The law entails a multi-tier fine system, with each subsequent infraction costing more than the previous. 

The first time offense is a 100 civil fine and/or 16 hours of community service. Each subsequent violation will cost the driver a $250 find or 24 hours of community service.  Commercial drivers and school bus drivers found using a cell phone would face an initial $200 fine or 32 hours of community service, or both; a second or subsequent violation would result in $500 fine or 48 hours of community service, or both. 

Ohio already implemented similar legislation and experienced a nearly 10% decrease in distracted driving soon after passing the law.