May 4, 2009

LANSING—Citing the fact that distracted drivers are more likely to be involved in an automobile accident, Senate Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit) introduced a bill today that would prohibit playing a game, or entering data, while driving.

“There is no need to be sending a text while driving your car, it’s one of the most dangerous things a driver can do,” Thomas said. “If it’s really that important, pull over and send your message, or just wait until you get to where you are going.”

According to a Harris poll, nine out of ten American adults believe that sending text messages or emails while driving is distracting, dangerous, and should be outlawed. The State of Washington passed the nation's first ban on texting while driving in May of 2007, and at least ten other states are considering similar legislation.

The penalty for texting or playing video games while driving would be a misdemeanor and a $100 fine. It would also be a secondary offense, which means that law enforcement would not be able to stop someone for the offense but would only be able to ticket them if they are already pulled over. The bill would allow drivers to text in the case of an emergency or when their vehicle is stopped at a light or a stop sign.

“It’s just common sense that you shouldn’t be doing both at the same time,” Thomas said. “And it seems like every month we read about another fatality—or near fatality—because someone was texting while driving. This is ridiculous and it really needs to end.”

“This is the second session in which I have introduced this bill, and hopefully we can all realize the urgency and just get this passed, Thomas said.”