Here's Why Police In Michigan Are Driving Around In Semi Trucks

Distracted driving is very dangerous and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2020 alone 3,142 people died from distracted driving accidents. In the state of Michigan, there were 14,326 “driver distracted” auto accidents in 2020, which was nearly 6% of all Michigan crashes that year according to Michigan Auto Law.

This week in Michigan and Wisconsin law enforcement is looking for distracted drivers in a very unique way

Wisconsin State Police and Michigan State Police Team Up For #TrooperInATruck

Credit: Wisconsin State Patrol Via Facebook

The Wisconsin State Police shared on Facebook about an operation they along with the Michigan State Police would be conducting to catch dangerous distracted drivers.

KatarzynaBialasiewicz

Distracted driving comes in many forms, all are dangerous and preventable.

This week, in partnership with the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association, the WSP will be conducting #TrooperInATruck distracted driving details across the state. Officers will be on the lookout for dangerous distracted driving behavior from the vantage point of a commercial motor vehicle. The campaign will be taking take place in each region from July 11th-15th

Get our free mobile app

How Much Does A Distracted Driving Ticket Cost In Michigan

Credit: Canva

Michigan.gov says that as of July 1, 2010, Michigan law prohibits texting while driving. For a first offense, motorists are fined $100. Subsequent offenses cost $200.

What Are The Three Types of Driving Distractions

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Also according to Michigan.gov, There are three main types of distraction:

Visual - taking your eyes off the road
Manual - taking your hands off the wheel
Cognitive - taking your mind off the drive

What Is Considered A Distracted Activity

Texting or messaging
Checking social media
Talking on the phone, even hands-free
Watching videos
Eating, drinking, or smoking
Grooming
Looking after children or pets
Chatting with passengers
Searching or reaching for an item
Looking at crashes or roadside sights
Checking a navigation system
Reading anything, including maps
Adjusting climate or music controls
Listening to loud music

Kelsey's Law Came From A Teen Driver Killed While Distracted Driving

The Danger of Texting While Driving

One stat that really stood out to me from the NHTSA is sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

Credit: Canva

I'll be the first to admit that I've had some very close calls when I've looked at a text message or email.

This campaign is a great reminder for all of us to put the phone down and pay attention each time we get behind the wheel.