With Michigan Traffic Fatalities Rising, It's Time to STOP Distracted Driving Due to Cell Phone Use

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - March 14, 2017 - PRLog -- A Michigan attorney specializing in personal injury law is expressing growing concern over surprising increases in traffic fatalities, particularly those attributable to distracted driving.

For the first time in 10 years, 2016 saw a substantial rise in traffic deaths—a total of 1,047 fatalities, according to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. That number is the highest since 2007 and far higher than the 817 that were reported as recently as 2009, after decades of decline related to improved vehicle safety.

According to David Christensen of Christensen Law, it appears the issue of drivers talking or texting on cell phones is a key factor in the noticeable spike in traffic deaths.

"All drivers need to take responsibility for their own actions, and that includes putting away their cell phones and staying alert, giving their full attention to the one thing they are supposed to be doing—driving safely," he said.

That said, Christensen and his colleagues at Christensen Law are urging the state to move forward on legislation that would prohibit talking on a cell phone while driving (texting has been illegal since July 1, 2010).

Except for new drivers, there is no prohibition in Michigan for talking on a cell phone while driving, although state legislators have, unsuccessfully, proposed such laws. At the same time, drivers who become distracted for any reason and commit a traffic violation can be charged with careless driving. The state does allow local municipalities to enact their own restrictive legislation and Detroit has measures that prohibit drivers from talking on cell phones.

There are other strategies to curb cell phone use while driving, a practice that tends to be more common in younger drivers. In these cases, apps designed to restrict cell phone usage while driving may be an option. One of those is LifeSaver (which can be found at http://lifesaver-app.com/).

Michigan State Police Lieutenant Michael Shaw has said it's time to start paying attention on the roads.

"We've tried all kinds of different things from enforcement to a campaign 'Get Your Head Out of Your App', but these messages don't seem to be working, and we really need to get the driving community to understand how quickly something can go bad and how you can lose your life or kill somebody else."

#     #     #

Christensen Law is a personal injury law firm that specializes in helping victims of automobile and truck accidents. For more info visit: https://www.davidchristensenlaw.com/

Founder David Christensen earned his law degree, with honors, as well as a Master's Degree from the University of Michigan. He is past chairman of the Michigan Association for Justice's no-fault committee,pastchairman of the negligence section of the Michigan State Bar, and is a member of the Council of Chief Justices Civil Justice Initiative.He testifies before the Michigan legislature, and his expertise has led to appointments to key positions that affect the development of Michigan's no-fault law. In 2012, Christensen was chosen as a "Leader in the Law" by Michigan Lawyer's Weekly.

David Christensen Law

25925 Telegraph Rd.

Suite 200

Southfield, MI  48033

248-213-4900

3049 Miller Rd.

Ann Arbor, MI 48103

734-890-5200