After years of diligent work and seemingly endless debate, the Michigan Legislature has finally sent a bill to prohibit texting while driving to the governor’s desk. “I am happy to join with Governor Granholm as we take this important step in making our roads safer,” said Senate Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit), the first Michigan legislator to introduce legislation on distracted driving.

“Without the leadership of President Obama, Transportation Secretary LaHood and Oprah Winfrey, we would not have been successful on this issue. Our combined efforts and advocacy were essential to educating my colleagues on distracted driving,” stated Thomas.

The texting while driving ban will begin on July 1. Once the ban is in effect, texting will be a primary offense, meaning a police officer could pull over motorists for texting alone. While no points would be added to a driver’s record, a first offense would cost $100 and repeat offenses would cost $200.

“There are enough potential distractions on the road already and, if we can eliminate one of the most dangerous, we are making our roads a little safer,” Thomas said.