Michigan Democrat lauds safety of anti-texting law

Speaking in Lansing, Michigan’s state capital, and in Flint on June 28, Michigan State Representative Lee Gonzales (D-Flint Twp.) reminded residents that Michigan's new texting while driving ban takes effect on July 1. In Flint, with a State trooper by his side, Gonzales averred that police will be on the lookout for distracted drivers on all of Michigan’s highways and byways.

Gonzales, who was joined by Michigan State Police first lieutenant Rick Arnold, said "This texting ban has been a long time coming and I am pleased to finally see it put into action," Gonzales said. "It's about time that we in Michigan put people and safety above convenience and modern mores. By putting this ban into effect, we’re making our roads safer for our residents and visitors, and we’re sending a message that texting behind the wheel is unacceptable in Michigan."

He recalled that his pregnant daughter-in-law barely escaped serious injury to herself and her unborn baby when the car in which she was waiting at an intersection was rear-ended by a negligent driver who was texting at the time. Spurred by this near-tragedy, and the encouragement of his constituents, Gonzales told Spero that he felt compelled to act. He would eventually introduce legislation that will now go into effect.

The new law prohibits drivers from reading, manually typing or sending text messages while driving, except to report accidents, crimes or other emergencies. Drivers caught texting will receive a $100 fine for a first offense and a $200 fine for subsequent violations, however, no points will be added to their driving record.

According to Gonzales, nearly 6,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver and more than half a million others were injured in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Michigan now joins 27 other states, the District of Columbia and Guam in banning text messaging for all drivers.
"Starting Thursday, drivers will be spending more time with their eyes on the road instead of on their phone," Trooper Arnold said in a statement. "This simple action will make our roads safer and keep more residents out of harms way. That's something we can all be happy about."

Gonzales is in his third term in the State house and is not allowed to run for re-election. He is, however, currently campaigning to serve as Treasurer of Genesee County and faces a Democratic challenger in the August 3 primary. Fellow Democrat Deb Cherry is the sister of Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor John Cherry and some observers have noted that she appears to be favored by the state’s Democratic political apparatus.

Gonzales served as Assistant Treasurer of Genesee County for 7 years during the tenure of Dan Kildee who has also since left. Gonzales faces economic challenges in Genesee County, which was once an automotive powerhouse but has since fallen on hard times.


For more information and to watch Gonzales' texting ban public service announcement, visit his website at http://www.gonzales.housedems.com.