Detroit Named Most Dangerous City for Drivers, but Michigan Hands-Free Law Shows Promise in Curbing Crashes
In recent driving studies that shed light on the safety landscape for motorists, Detroit takes the grim title of the most dangerous city for drivers, while Michigan’s new hands-free law offers hopeful signs of preventing accidents and reducing property damage.
SellMax, a San Diego-based company specializing in used car purchases, conducted an analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Their findings identified Detroit as the most perilous city for drivers. The study examined driving-related fatalities, including those resulting from driving under the influence and speeding. Detroit claimed the top spot in the list of dangerous cities, followed by Dallas and Tucson. In contrast, New York, Boston, and Jersey City ranked among the safest cities.
On a more positive note, a Cambridge-based telematics firm called Cambridge Mobile Telematics analyzed the impact of Michigan’s new hands-free law and found promising results in accident prevention. The law, which went into effect on June 30, has shown to significantly decrease phone-related distractions while driving.
Prior to the law, Michigan drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 47 seconds per hour handling their phones while their vehicles were in motion. However, after the implementation of the hands-free law, this number dropped to an average of 1 minute and 35 seconds per hour, representing an 11.2% decrease in phone distractions.
According to the telematics firm, a 10% reduction in distracted driving can lower the crash rate by 1.4%. In Michigan’s case, this translates to preventing two fatalities, 650 crashes, and around $15.5 million in economic damages. The positive impact of the hands-free law in Michigan aligns with similar patterns observed in other states that have enacted handheld bans in recent years. Across eight states that implemented handheld bans between 2018 and 2021, phone motion distraction remained 13% lower even after three months.
Lawmakers and advocates for distracted driving legislation in Michigan have emphasized the life-saving potential of this law. In 2021 alone, the state witnessed 21 fatal vehicle crashes in which cell phone use was a contributing factor, according to the state Office of Highway Safety Planning.
The positive outcomes observed in Michigan bolster hopes for the effectiveness of hands-free legislation in other states as well. Steve Kiefer, chairman of the road safety board at the telematics firm, expressed strong encouragement regarding these initial results. He highlighted the efficacy of such life-saving laws, particularly during the summer when crashes and fatalities typically spike by 15%.
As summer road trips become increasingly popular, it is crucial for drivers to be aware of the risks associated with distracted driving, treacherous road conditions, and the potential for accidents caused by drunk drivers. Behind the wheel, there is always a real possibility of a fatal car accident occurring.
Michigan’s hands-free law serves as a notable step in the right direction towards reducing distractions and promoting safer driving habits. By limiting phone use while driving, these regulations have the potential to save countless lives and significantly decrease economic losses resulting from accidents.
While Detroit holds the unfortunate distinction of being the most dangerous city for drivers, improvements in driver behavior through hands-free regulations offer hope for a safer future on the roads. As awareness grows and further measures are implemented, it is essential for drivers across the nation to prioritize road safety and remain vigilant behind the wheel.
