Law prohibiting phone use prevented many accident deaths in Traverse City
Traverse City, MI – Local news for Traverse City reported on the positive effects of a law designed to prevent cell phone use during driving for the entire state of Michigan [1].
Hands free law prevented many deaths in the prior year
Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), the world’s largest telematics service provider, recently conducted an analysis of the impact of Michigan’s new hands-free law, which took effect on June 30. According to their findings, Michigan drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 47 seconds per hour handling their phones while driving in June.
However, since the implementation of the hands-free law, the time spent on phone motion distraction has decreased to an average of 1 minute and 35 seconds per hour, representing an 11.2% drop. CMT has noted that every 10% reduction in distracted driving results in a 1.4% decrease in the car crash rate.
Based on their analysis, CMT estimates that the 11.2% reduction in distraction since the law’s implementation has prevented 650 crashes, two fatalities, and saved approximately $15.5 million in economic damages in Michigan.
Ohio also followed suit by making distracted driving a primary offense, similar to Michigan. CMT’s Senior SVP of Strategy, Ryan McMahon, emphasized the need for strong legislation in favor of hands-free initiatives, awareness campaigns, and proper enforcement to educate the public during grace periods.
CMT defines phone motion distraction as when the phone is in motion with the screen on while the vehicle is moving. Their analysis is based on data from 1 million trips taken across Michigan between June 1 and July 30, 2023.
The data revealed that the current rate of distracted driving at 1 minute and 35 seconds per hour is Michigan’s lowest since 2020. In 2020, the state’s drivers spent 1 minute and 40 seconds distracted while on the road. This number increased to 1 minute and 49 seconds in 2021 before the hands-free law came into effect.
Moreover, CMT provided a national perspective, showing that phone motion distraction across the United States increased by nearly 21% from 2020 to 2022, highlighting the importance of effective distracted driving laws.
In conclusion, CMT’s analysis demonstrates the positive impact of Michigan’s hands-free law, with a significant reduction in distracted driving and its potential to prevent crashes and save lives. It also emphasizes the need for other states to adopt similar legislation and maintain efforts to combat distracted driving over time.
Data about distracted driving as a cause of accidents in Michigan
Distracted driving has emerged as a significant cause of accidents in Michigan, leading to numerous crashes, injuries, and fatalities on the state’s roadways. With the increasing prevalence of smartphones and other electronic devices, the issue of distracted driving has become a growing concern for public safety.
Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), the world’s largest telematics service provider, conducted an in-depth analysis of distracted driving in Michigan, shedding light on the extent of the problem. According to their findings, Michigan drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 47 seconds per hour handling their phones while driving in June before the implementation of the hands-free law.
The introduction of Michigan’s hands-free law on June 30 aimed to address this issue and curb distracted driving incidents. As a result, phone motion distraction decreased to an average of 1 minute and 35 seconds per hour after the law’s enforcement, representing an 11.2% reduction. This reduction in distracted driving has shown promising outcomes, leading to the prevention of approximately 650 crashes, saving two lives, and preventing an estimated $15.5 million in economic damages, according to CMT’s estimates.
Data from previous years also highlights the gravity of distracted driving in Michigan. In 2020, drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 40 seconds on the road handling their phones, which increased to 1 minute and 49 seconds in 2021 before the hands-free law was implemented. These numbers indicate a concerning trend of growing distracted driving behaviors that needed to be addressed urgently.
While the hands-free law has demonstrated positive results, it has also highlighted the need for continued efforts and vigilance in tackling distracted driving. According to CMT’s analysis, every 10% reduction in distracted driving results in a 1.4% decrease in the crash rate. This data emphasizes the significance of stringent legislation and proactive measures to combat distracted driving effectively.
The issue of distracted driving extends beyond Michigan’s borders, with the entire United States facing similar challenges. CMT’s national data revealed a staggering increase of nearly 21% in phone motion distraction incidents across the country from 2020 to 2022. These statistics underscore the urgency of a nationwide approach to address this alarming trend.
To combat distracted driving effectively, the state of Michigan, and indeed the entire nation, must adopt a multi-faceted approach. This approach includes strict legislation making distracted driving a primary offense, public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, and robust enforcement efforts by law enforcement agencies.
Moreover, technological solutions can play a crucial role in addressing distracted driving. Advances in telematics, like those provided by CMT, can help monitor and analyze driver behavior to identify patterns of distraction and develop targeted interventions. Additionally, smartphone applications that restrict phone usage while driving or send automated responses to incoming messages can help reduce temptation and minimize distractions.
In conclusion, data about distracted driving as a cause of accidents in Michigan highlights the urgency of addressing this issue to ensure public safety. The positive impact of the hands-free law in the state demonstrates the effectiveness of legislation in curbing distracted driving. However, ongoing efforts, including public awareness campaigns, technological solutions, and strict enforcement, are essential to create safer roadways and prevent further tragedies and accidents caused by distracted driving.
Advice from local accident lawyers in Michigan is available
Neumann Law Group focuses on personal injury lawsuits and accident cases in the state of Michigan. Anyone who needs to speak with a licensed attorney can contact their firm.
USAttorneys.com is a service that works with people who need to find lawyers. They can be contacted at 800-672-3103
Firm contact info:
300 E Front St. #445, Traverse City, MI 49684
231-221-0050
Sources:
- https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/michigan-hands-free-law-prevented-650-crashes-two-fatalities-analysis-cambridge-mobile-telematics#
