Detroit Today: Michigan hopes to reduce traffic fatalities with new distracted driving law
State Representative Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit) discusses legislation to prevent people from using their cell phones while driving.
A car destroyed in a crash.
One of the most dangerous daily activities in the U.S. is driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control, auto accidents are a leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of birth and 54.
Over the past few years, driving in the state has gotten even more dangerous. According to a recent report, traffic fatalities in Michigan increased from 985 to over 1,100 from 2019 to 2022.
Listen: Why traffic accidents are going up — and what one state lawmaker is doing to make conditions safer.
Guest
State Representative Tyrone Carter is a Democrat from Detroit. He sponsored the distracted driver’s bill that was recently signed into law, and he says his policy is not meant to punish drivers but redirect their behavior.
“It’s not meant to be punitive, but something that is meant to be, ‘Hey, this is a teachable moment. There’s technology available now so that you can go hands-free,’” says Carter.
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