If you have to drive through Troy, Michigan today, make sure that is the only activity you are doing behind the wheel. As of July 29, 2010, the Distracted Driving Ordinance went into effect in the city of Troy, Michigan. There is no tolerance for eating, grooming, reading, writing, texting, talking on a hand held cell phone or anything that that could distract a driver and result in a failure to safely operate a vehicle.
From now until September 30, 2010, any driver who is caught by Troy Police and is driving while distracted will receive a warning and educational material about the new ordinance. Troy’s law is stricter than the state “No Texting” law that went into effect on July 1, 2010.
Beginning October 1, drivers in Troy will receive fines for distracted driving offenses. Texting while driving will carry a $200.00 fine. Listening or talking on a hand held cell phone while driving will carry a $75.00 fine. Driving while distracted with a common activity such as applying make-up, reading or eating will result in a $200.00 fine. The fines will carry no points.
Troy police department insists “Our goal is safety, not dollars.” According to the Insurance Institute for Highway safety, drivers using hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. Public Information Officer, Jim Feld stated, “For the past six months we’ve noticed an increase in the number of accidents involving distractions, judging from statements taken from drivers but we have no plans to set up certain areas to target drivers. We just want to keep everyone safe.”
The mayor of Troy also agrees with enforcing this ordinance. Mayor Louise Schilling stated, “We know people want to be safe and secure when driving their vehicles. By controlling distracted driving behaviors people help themselves and others around them avoid accidents, injuries and death.”
Below are tips from AAA to help manage distraction while driving:
• Recognize that driving requires your full attention.
• Use your cell phone only if absolutely necessary.
• If you must use your phone, choose a safe time and place, keeping the conversation short.
• Ask a passenger to place a call for you and, if possible, speak in your place.
• Do not compose, send or read text messages while driving. In Michigan, texting while driving is illegal.
• Ask passengers to help with directions or adjust dashboard controls.
• Secure loose items in the vehicle so they don’t become projectiles or distractions in a sudden stop or crash.
• Avoid intense, complicated or emotional conversations when driving.
• Pull over to care for children.
• Stop to eat or drink, rather than trying to eat or drink while driving.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Program your GPS prior to starting your trip.
• Allow plenty of time for your trip.
These simple but effective steps could save a life, possibly your own.
If you were in a serious auto accident involving a driver who was distracted while driving and have questions about your legal rights, contact an experienced Michigan auto accident attorney immediately.
