As of Friday, a new law here in Michigan made it illegal for cell phones to be in the hands of drivers. The law, which strengthens other distracted driving laws already in place, aims at reducing deadly distractions on the road.

In the past I have always taken advantage of Bluetooth technology, but admit to sometimes picking picking up the phone at stop lights to read a text. Thankfully, my last couple vehicles had the hands-free option for making and receiving calls. In my new vehicle, if a text comes through, the car gives you the option of having it read to you. You can then replay by simply talking. It’s quite a nice feature.

A Grand Rapids TV station interviewed Lieutenant DuWayne Robinson with Michigan State Police about the new law. He said he’s confident that state troopers pulled over drivers Friday and at least issued warnings and took the time to educate drivers about the changes.

“Our first goal with all laws and all violators of traffic laws is to educate the public, and we have a lot of discretion in terms of whether or not we issue a verbal warning or citation and definitely if there is an egregious example of a violation right in front of us, then that will inform what we may do next,” Robinson said.

I certainly feel that this is a step in the right direction. We are so connected to our phones these days. But is it really that important to see the Facebook or Instagram photo of a friend’s dinner the minute it is posted? Probably not.

There are people I saw on the news recently who seem to think this is something petty for police officers to do. One guy went as far as to say, “There are people who are breaking laws every day that are more serious than this.” He insinuated that the focus on distracted driving would cause police to not be able to enforce more serious laws.

Personally, while phones tend to be a big distraction, I believe that there are other distractions that need to be addressed, (and enforced) too. We are a society that is always on the go. I always question these people who eat and drink at the same time they drive.

My vehicle has cup holders. I’m sure yours does as well. Is it necessary to have a drink AND food in your hand?

The one that never ceases to amaze me is when I see some gal putting on makeup while driving 80 miles per hour on the expressway!

In order to do this, your eyes are NOT looking at the road. They are looking in the mirror. Not trying to justify it, but at least when you’re chowing on a burger, your eyes are looking ahead (in most cases, anyway.).

One article I read spoke about how it is mostly teenagers who are doing the makeup thing while driving, but from personal experience I have witnessed women of all ages doing this.

Then, there’s this guy ….

What an idiot! It actually looks like he is reading music from his lap while driving. At least this saxophone player seems to have his music memorized.

He is at least looking ahead at the road. Of course, both hands are on his sax instead of the steering wheel, though.

As I drove in to work last night, I was watching for people with phone in their hands. Surprisingly, I didn’t see any. Perhaps the thought of paying a hefty fine for it was enough to make people stop. We shall see.