Reduce the Risk of Michigan Car Accidents by Staying Focused While Driving
We’ve all been there. Your phone buzzes. A song needs skipping. Your coffee spills. Distracted driving happens faster than you think, but the consequences of a Michigan car accident can last forever.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,000 lives were lost and an estimated additional 424,000 people in the United States were injured in car accidents involving distracted drivers in 2023. That same year, a total of 15,136 crashes occurred in Michigan involving a distracted driver; 56% of those crashes resulted in a fatality. It’s interesting to note that the top five counties in our state for distracted driving crashes are Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent, and Washtenaw.
Sinas Dramis Law Firm advocates for clients injured or killed in Michigan car accidents. In one case, we secured a $1.975 million settlement for a man who suffered leg amputation after being struck by a distracted driver. In another instance, a family was awarded $825,000 in compensation after the father sustained a traumatic brain injury and orthopedic injuries caused by an inattentive teenage driver who failed to stop for a school bus.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road, increasing the risk for a motor vehicle accident. This could be:
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road, such as to text. Drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a car accident compared to those who are not distracted.
- Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel, such as to reach for your fries or scan for a new song on the radio.
- Auditory: Being distracted by sounds, such as loud music. Not only does listening to music at high levels impact the ability to hear sirens or horns, it has shown to decrease reaction times to hazards.
- Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving, like daydreaming or talking with a passenger.
Even a few seconds of distraction at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
How to Prevent Car Accidents
Reducing the risk of a Michigan car accident is as simple as making these eight steps part of your regular driving routine.
1. Put Your Phone Away
Cell phone usage is one of the biggest culprits of distracted driving. That’s why it’s illegal to hold or manually use a mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle in Michigan. This includes making or answering calls, texting, accessing social media, or using GPS—unless the device is mounted and operated hands-free.
To reduce your compulsion to grab your phone while driving, we recommend silencing phone notifications, turning on the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature, or storing your phone in the glove box or other out-of-sight place before putting the car in gear.
Violating Michigan’s hands-free law incurs the following penalties:
- First Offense: $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service.
- Second or Subsequent Offenses: $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service.
- Three Violations Within Three Years: Completion of a driving improvement course is required.
- If a crash occurs and the at-fault driver was using a mobile device, fines are doubled.
Michigan law permits the use of hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth or voice-activated systems, for tasks like navigation or making calls. Additionally, drivers are allowed to use their devices to call or text 911 in emergencies.
2. Prepare Your Vehicle
Adjust seats, mirrors, and air conditioning before you leave.
3. Set Your Playlist and GPS Before You Go
Fumbling with music or maps while driving is a no-go. Set your vibe and route before shifting into gear.
4. Don’t Eat and Drive
Life is busy but unwrapping a sandwich while turning a corner isn’t the safest move. If you’re hungry, pull over or eat before you go.
5. Secure Pets and Kids
A loose dog jumping from seat to seat or a child screaming in the back can steal your focus. Use the appropriate child passenger safety seats for the age and size of the children. Secure pets in carriers. Make sure everyone’s settled and understands what is expected of them as passengers before the car moves.
6. Avoid Multitasking
Doing your makeup or digging through your bag while driving isn’t worth it. Finish getting ready before you leave the house.
7. Take Breaks if You’re Tired
Driving while drowsy is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol, significantly putting oneself, passengers, and others on the roadway at risk of injury. If your eyes feel heavy or your mind is foggy, pull over and rest.
8. Be a Role Model
If you’re driving with kids, teens, or passengers, set the tone. They’ll take cues from you, so model focused, safe driving.
Always Stay Focused
The bottom line is to always focus on driving and continually scan for hazards, including other drivers, pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicycles. Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, your ears alert, and your mind on the task at hand. Staying focused behind the wheel isn’t just about following rules—it’s making sure you and everyone else on the road gets home safely.
If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan car accident, Sinas Dramis is the firm to call. Our Grand Rapids car accident lawyers, Lansing auto accident attorneys, Ann Arbor personal injury attorneys, Kalamazoo personal injury lawyers, and our team in St. Clair Shores are experts in personal injury law. We represent clients across the state, providing free initial consultations to educate injured people and their families about their legal rights. Contact us at 866.758.0031 or intake@sinasdramis.com.
Want to raise awareness of the risks of distracted driving and help prevent Michigan car accidents? Share this blog with someone who needs a reminder to just drive.