(WWJ) A 27-year-old woman is facing charges after police say she caused a deadly crash while distracted by her phone, in Macomb County's Washington Township.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office said the driver from Riley, in St. Clair County, admitted she was using her phone, looking at the GPS, when she ran a red light at Van Dyke and 32 Mile Road in February.
She crashed into another car, sending it spinning.
Officials said a passenger in the car the woman hit had to be cut out of the vehicle. She later died in a hospital.
The driver, whose name was not disclosed pending her arraignment, also spent two days in a hospital where she was treated for several injuries.
The sheriff's office said the driver has now been charged with one count of reckless driving causing death. which is a 15-year felony.
“This tragedy could have been prevented had the suspect not been engaged in activity on her phone,” said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, in a statement. “Once again, I encourage everyone to please put your phone down while driving. Focus on the road. Follow the law and remain hands free while driving.”
An arraignment date for the defendant had not been set as of Thursday.
Michiganders new hands-free driving law took effect on June 30, 2023. Get complete details about what's allowed, and what's not, at this link.