Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council applauds Michigan Gov.
Rick Snyder for signing S.B. 756, also known as Kelsey’s Law, on Tuesday. The
law bans drivers with level 1 and level 2 licenses – predominantly teens – from
using cell phones while driving. It will take effect in late March.
“Teens are our most vulnerable drivers and distractions such as
cell phones can increase their already high crash risk,” said Janet Froetscher,
president and CEO at NSC. “Gov. Snyder and the entire Michigan Legislature
should be proud of this piece of legislation. Laws prohibiting cell phone distractions
save lives.”
Michigan is the 33rd state to ban teen drivers from
using cell phones. Kelsey’s Law is named after Kelsey Raffaele, a 17 year old
from Sault Ste. Marie, MI, who was killed in 2010 in a crash she caused because
she was distracted by her cell phone conversation while driving. Kelsey’s parents,
Bonnie and Ron, were present when Gov. Snyder signed the bill into law.
NSC does not support the use of cell phones while driving in any
capacity – handheld or hands-free – by any motorist regardless of age or
experience. NSC called for a total ban of all cell phone use while driving in
2009 after more than 50 studies identified the risks of cell phone use while
driving, with 30 reporting no significant differences in risk between handheld
and hands-free devices. For more information, visit distracteddriving.nsc.org.
About
the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety
Council (nsc.org)
is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing
injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through
leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by
partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the
public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen
driving, workplace safety and safety beyond the workplace.