Substitute for House Resolution No. 273.

            A resolution to declare April 2016 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Distracted driving claims the lives of thousands of people each year and causes hundreds of thousands of injuries; and

            Whereas, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over 90% of car crashes are the result of driver error; and

            Whereas, The 2014 Michigan statistics report there were 298,699 crashes, 806 fatal crashes, and 71,378 persons injured; and

            Whereas, The 2015 preliminary estimates show distracted driving crashes nationwide have increased about 8% over the number of crashes in 2014; and

            Whereas, According to a 2011 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, 69% of U.S. drivers ages 18-64 surveyed said they have talked on their phone while driving and 31% said they have read or sent email or text messages while driving; and

            Whereas, The improved health and well-being of Michigan citizens are a direct result of increased awareness about the dangers of distracted driving; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Teen Safe Driving Coalition is committed to reducing the number of traffic deaths and injuries by educating motorists and bringing awareness to dangerous driving behaviors; and

            Whereas, The campaign against distracted driving has also been immensely aided by law enforcement efforts in Michigan; and

            Whereas, A month dedicated to programs and activities about distracted driving will greatly raise awareness; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 2016 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.