WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Police said a woman was using her cellphone for its GPS when she ran a red light, crashed into another car, and killed a passenger in a Macomb County intersection.
The crash happened at 9:33 a.m. Feb. 2, 2024, at the intersection of 32 Mile Road and M-53 in Washington Township.
Macomb County deputies said a 27-year-old woman from Riley, Michigan, was driving south on M-53 when she failed to stop for a red light and crashed into a car that was going west through a green light on 32 Mile Road.
The driver of the car that was struck said he felt the impact, and then his car began to spin. His only passenger had to be extricated from the wreckage and rushed to a nearby hospital.
She died from her injuries, police said in a May 16 release.
The at-fault driver was taken to a nearby hospital with “several” injuries and released two days later, according to police.
Deputies said she admitted to being “physically connected” to her phone and using her GPS while driving.
She is charged with reckless driving causing death, which is a 15-year felony.
“This tragedy could have been prevented had the suspect not been engaged in activity on her phone,” Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said. “Once again, I encourage everyone to please put your phone down while driving. Focus on the road. Follow the law and remain hands-free while driving.”