Michigan State Police notebook: Texting and driving ... and snow

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You know what they say about snow? It makes your lawn look as nice as your neighbor's.

We have had a pretty mild January. We all know that winter is most likely storing up the snow for February. So, when the snow is really coming down and we are driving in it, we stay focused. We stay alert. We keep our speed slower.  We don’t want to end up in the ditch waiting for a nice Trooper to come along and help us out. 

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We definitely don’t text and drive, right? Or do we? Or do your kids who can drive? You may be surprised to learn that even though Michigan law prohibits reading, manually typing, or sending a text message, 41 percent of young drivers admitted to sending texts or emailing while driving on a regular basis. According to a recent telephone survey conducted by the Office of Highway and Safety Planning, more than 26 percent indicated they did this on a daily basis. Also, of the group surveyed, 55 percent admitted they had texted at night and 22 percent admitted to texting while driving in the snow. 

According the MSP Criminal Justice Information Center there were 7,516 traffic crashes in Michigan involving distracted driving during 2015, resulting in 28 fatalities and 3,472 injuries. This was an increase from 2014 when 5,353 crashes were reported involving distracted driving resulting 14 fatalities. Now throw in the fact that weather and snow are hard enough to drive in when you’re paying attention. 

This is a serious issue, especially with younger drivers. Here are some steps you can take with your younger driver:  

  • Give new drivers simple, clear instructions not to use their wireless devices while driving. 
  • Before new drivers get their licenses, discuss the fact that taking their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds could cost someone injury or even death. 
  • You can lead by example -- no one should text and drive.  Be an example for others and if you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a safe place. 
  • Set the rules yourself and your household regarding distracted driving. 
  • Tell family, friends and organizations to which you belong about the importance of driving without distractions. 
  • Seek information for kids and share it with them -- some statistics in an article you are reading may be a good place to start. 
  • Don’t just assume that your child is doing it right while everyone else is getting it wrong. 
  • Have your teen put their phone on silent mode and put it in the glove box. It is less likely to draw your attention if you can’t see it or hear it. Funny how simple the idea is, isn’t it?

Winter is coming, the real winter, the one that freezes you and causes you to have to plow that driveway, so, enjoy that beautiful yard.

If you have any questions or comments, please email them to askatrooper12@gmail.com, or mail them to Ask a Trooper, Michigan State Police -- Brighton Post, 4337 Buno Road, Brighton, MI  48116.