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Entering the ninth year, Buckle Up Phone Down (BUPD) Day is dedicated to raising awareness about two simple, life-saving actions. As we continue working toward safer roads and zero fatalities, this day offers a focused opportunity to drive meaningful change in driver behavior.
The challenge is simple: when you get into any vehicle, buckle up your safety belt. If you are a driver, put the cell phone down. Turn it off if you have to. Every trip, every time!
According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, in 2024:
- There were 14,439 motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver in Michigan, which resulted in 5,488 injuries and 65 fatalities. Of the total crashes involving a distracted driver, 2,818 (19.5%) also involved a lane departure and 5,244 (36.3%) took place at an intersection.
- There were 2,106 crashes where a motor vehicle driver was using a cell phone and 15 of those crashes involved a fatality. Of the crashes where a driver was using a cell phone, there were 950 (45.1%) rear-end crashes, 514 (24.1%) involved a lane departure, and 783 (36.6%) were intersection related.
It is illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads. Under the law, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms, or shoulders. Even if a cell phone or other device is mounted on your dashboard or connected to your vehicle’s built-in system, you cannot use your hands to operate it beyond a single touch.
The law makes holding or manually using a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle a primary offense—which means an officer can stop and ticket drivers for this violation. For more information on hands-free driving in Michigan, click the following link: Hands-free Law Guide.
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A new distracted driving banner is available for order from the Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP). The OHSP developed an outdoor distracted-driving banner to remind motorists that it’s illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads.
Agencies and organizations can order the free banner by writing in “distracted driving banner” on the empty line of the Traffic Safety Materials Catalog order form. Completed forms must be emailed to TrafficSafety@Michigan.gov.
Traffic safety partners are encouraged to display the banner in a well-traveled location in the community to help spread awareness.
Go Hands-Free. Just Drive. It's the Law.
Stay Safe. Drive Smart.
Our mission is to move Toward Zero Deaths on Michigan roads through the implementation of the Safe System Approach.
Learn more at www.Michigan.gov/ZeroDeaths.
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