(WWJ) - Police departments across Michigan will begin "Operation Ghost Rider" today. Police say the goal is to reduce the number of distracted driving deaths and injuries.
The Transportation Improvement Association (TIA) is coordinating the initiative. Various local, county and state police departments will be participating.
Authorities say that drivers that are texting are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
"Operation Ghost Rider" will use unmarked “spotter” vehicles that have an officer in the passenger seat. When the spotter sees a distracted driver, a marked police vehicle will be notified to make a traffic stop.
“Even with all the conversation and education around the new hands free law, we are still seeing distracted driving,” said F/Lt. Mike Shaw, Public Information Officer of the Michigan State Police. “We know enforcement is key to preventing risky driving behavior, and efforts like Operation Ghost Rider are an important part of that enforcement.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law making the manual use of a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle illegal in June. The law made it illegal for a driver to hold a phone with their hands, arms or shoulders as well as making it illegal to operate the device using more than a single touch.
Prohibited activities include texting, entering information into GPS and posting to social media.
“Despite knowing the risks, distracted drivers continue to put themselves and the innocent people around them at risk,” said Jim Santilli, CEO of TIA and chairman of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commissions’ Distracted Driving Action Team. “Sadly, many people have lost a loved one to a completely preventable behavior. We can all do our part by keeping our eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times.”
2022 crash reports documented 57 people killed and 5,905 injured in a total of 15,441 motor vehicle accidents involving a distracted driver across the state, according to TIA.
Violations can include a fine and/or community service which are doubled if an accident occurs and the at-fault driver was holding or manually using a prohibited device while operating the vehicle. People may also be cited for careless driving. The citation is a three point offense and a civil infraction that is punishable by a fine, authorities say.