Distracted driving remains a critical concern for lawmakers, new drivers and parents alike. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., with 16- to 19-year-olds facing the highest risk.
To address this, Michigan implemented a hands-free law on June 30, 2023. The law prohibits drivers from holding or manually using a phone while operating a vehicle -- even at red lights. All phone interactions must be hands-free or single touch on a mounted device. For teen drivers with graduated licenses, any phone use, including hands-free, is banned.
“The hands-free driving law is a great first step towards the mantra of ‘Just Drive,’” said attorney David Femminineo of Femminineo Law. “This law codifies the requirement that drivers must not hold their phones while driving and all functions of the phone must be voice activated. If the function of the phone is not voice activated, just drive.”
The goal of the law is straightforward: fewer crashes, fewer injuries and fewer lives lost on Michigan roads.
Femminineo, a personal injury attorney, has witnessed the devastating effects of distracted and reckless driving firsthand. His public education initiative, David’s Driving Edge, focuses on prevention, preparedness and protection for drivers of all ages and experience levels.
“The realization that temporary or momentary lapses in attention cause permanent injury or death has led me to begin this initiative to spread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving,” Femminineo said. “The best way to protect ourselves is to be informed.”
New drivers: Know the rules before you hit the road
In addition to educating drivers about Michigan’s latest driving laws, David’s Driving Edge offers essential information for first-time drivers, including Michigan’s no-fault insurance requirements. Drivers must carry proof of insurance during traffic stops and after accidents. Failure to maintain coverage can lead to fines, license suspension or vehicle impoundment.
The initiative also covers safe-driving basics such as handling hazardous weather and maintaining focus behind the wheel.
Parents: Be your teen’s co-pilot
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their teens’ driving habits. David’s Driving Edge encourages parents to stay involved by supervising practice driving, discussing high-risk situations like night driving or teen passengers, and reviewing Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements together. A parent-teen driving agreement can help set clear expectations and reduce risks.
Safe driving is more than passing a test, it’s about building lifelong habits.
Experienced drivers: Stay updated
Even seasoned drivers benefit from refreshers. Michigan’s roads have evolved and so have the laws.
David’s Driving Edge also educates drivers about:
- Roundabouts, which require yielding to vehicles already in the circle and signaling before exiting.
- Diverging Diamond Interchanges (DDIs), new expressway ramps that temporarily shift traffic to the left to reduce crashes.
- Updated distracted driving penalties, including fines, community service and required improvement courses for repeat offenses.
Staying current on laws and road designs helps keep everyone safe.
Tips for all drivers
David’s Driving Edge offers practical advice for every driver:
- Stay alert and avoid distractions.
- Maintain a safe following distance using the three-second rule.
- Adjust speed and distance in adverse weather.
- Use signals early and avoid sudden lane changes.
- Scan 12–15 seconds ahead to anticipate hazards.
- Expect that other drivers may make mistakes.
Through a partnership with the Kiefer Foundation, the initiative also offers an interactive simulator experience. This immersive tool demonstrates the dangers of distracted driving, with special attention to helping new drivers understand how distractions can occur at any time.
[Related: Simulated distracted driving events near you]
Femminineo added that distracted driving is not just a young person or young driver issue.
“We are all distracted by our devices. They are addictive,” Femminineo said. “We all need to be reminded, and we can all learn from the resources that the best thing that you can do is just drive.”
After a crash: Know what to do
Even the most cautious drivers can be involved in accidents. David’s Driving Edge provides step-by-step guidance on what to do immediately after a crash.
Femminineo Law focuses on vehicle accidents and their aftermath: medical bills, lost wages, insurance challenges and more. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for thousands of clients by thoroughly investigating crashes and holding liable parties accountable.
“I take inspiration from each distracted driving victim that I represent,” Femminineo said. “All of these accidents are avoidable accidents that have resulted in severe personal injury or death. If we can spread awareness about the dangers that a momentary lapse in attention causes, then we can make the roads a safer place for all of us. The knowledge and education will never hurt us, and hopefully it will save many lives.”
David’s Driving Edge empowers drivers with clear, accessible information to drive safer -- for themselves and everyone else on the road.
At Femminineo Law, clients pay nothing until the case is won. Click or tap here to contact Femminineo Law.
To learn more about David’s Driving Edge, click or tap here.