SR40, As Adopted by Senate, March 30, 2017

            Senator Casperson offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 40.

            A resolution commemorating April 2017 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

            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 94 percent of car

crashes are the result of driver error; and

            Whereas, 2015 Michigan Statistics statistics report there were 297,023 crashes and 963 fatal crashes, a 10 percent increase from 2014; and

Whereas, 2015 Michigan Statistics show Distracted Driving crashes nationwide have increased 10 percent over 2014, which is largest percentage increase in 50 years; and

Whereas, 2015 Michigan Statistics report that 16 year old crashes in Michigan increase 138 percent, and 15 and younger crashes increased  by 67 percent, and an increase for every driver 20 years old and under; and

Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States 8 people are killed and 1,161 injuredevery day in crashes that are reported to involve distracted 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 improved health and well-being of Michigan citizens are a direct result of

increased awareness about the dangers of distracted driving; and

            Whereas, Local communities across the state and the Michigan Teen Safe Driving Coalition

are committed to reducing the number of traffic deaths and injuries in the state of Michigan 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 Senate, That we hereby recognize April 2017 as Distracted Driving

Awareness Month; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of Kelsey Raffaele.