The time has finally come and probably way overdue.  The Michigan House Transportation Committee is now considering a bill that would make it illegal to use your hand-held electronic device while driving.

Most of us should already know that it is illegal to text and drive in the state of Michigan.  This new bill sponsored by State Rep. Martin Howrylak, R-Troy would now make it illegal to use your cellphone to:

  • make calls
  • check your e-mail
  • use Twitter or Facebook
  • browse the Internet

One point you should keep in mind is that you would still be able to use any hands-free devices to make phone calls.

In testimony in front of the committee Auburn Hills Police Chief Doreen Olko as reported by the Detroit Free Press, was quoted as saying:

The current laws are nearly impossible for us to enforce because we don’t know what people are doing on their phones,” she said. “We’re here to ask you to give us a law that we can enforce.

This bill would make using any hand-held device a crime carrying a punishment of a:

  • $250 fine for the first offense
  • a $500 fine and one point on a license for a second offense.
  • Any subsequent offenses would have penalties of a $500 fine and two points on a license.

Do you believe the time has come for this bill?

If we save one life that is good enough for me.  Remember you can still use any hands free device to make or take a phone call.  People these days are too distracted by our electronic devices, we do not need them distracted while driving.

The Live with Renk show airs Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon, to let me know your thoughts call (269) 441-9595

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