MPPD Reminds Drivers of the Dangers of Impaired Driving

During the busy, end-of-summer travel season that includes the Labor Day holiday weekend, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside the Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) to remind drivers of the dangers of impaired driving.

In 2023, 41% of fatalities on Michigan roadways involved alcohol and/or drugs. According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, out of the 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes, 297 were fatalities. Whereas the 2,250 drug-involved crashes resulted in 256 fatalities.

In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired.

MPPD’s Public Information Officer David Coffman, shared, “No matter what the substance may be, if it has impaired you, you should not be driving. The MPPD wants everyone to enjoy the end of the summer. Commit to yourself and to your community that you will drive safe and sober every day.”

To increase awareness and encourage safe and sober driving, the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) is funding a statewide media campaign about the dangers of impaired driving. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is coordinated by the OHSP and supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and NHTSA.

Handheld Cellphone Use Banned While Driving

The use of handheld cellphones while driving will be outlawed in Michigan, effective June 30, 2023. Motorists will still be able to use hands-free devices. This new law expands Michigan’s ban on texting, placing calls and scrolling on social media while driving.

To avoid a ticket, listen to Public Safety Director Paul Lauria’s summary of this new legislation.

Penalties for distracted driving will increase and are as follows:

First Offense: $100 and/or 16 hours of community service.
Subsequent Offenses: $250 and/or 24 hours of community service.

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Distracted Driving is Illegal

Law enforcement, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have partnered to raise awareness of the dangers and legal implications of distracted driving.

(An audio message from Public Safety Director Paul Lauria.)

Actions such as eating, drinking, GPS use, updating your play list, cell phone use of any kind, texting, and scrolling through social media, are all considered dangerous when driving. Texting has become a specifically dangerous practice.

If you are texting, follow the tips below:

If you are expecting a text message, or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location.
Designate a passenger as your ‘designated texter.’
Do not engage in social media scrolling or texting while driving.
If you are struggling not to text and drive; put your phone out of reach in the trunk, glove box or back seat.

Distracted driving is dangerous and illegal. Avoid a ticket, and the chance of injuring someone else. Keep your eyes on the road and off the phone.