SR-173, As Adopted by Senate, September 19, 2012

            Senator Richardville offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 173.

            A resolution to declare September 19, 2012, as No Texting While Driving - Pledge Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 16 percent of fatal auto collisions in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving; and

            Whereas, Of those people killed in distracted-driving-related collisions, 18 percent involved reports of a cell phone as a distraction, and of those injured in distracted-driving-related crashes, 5 percent involved reports of a cell phone as a distraction; and

            Whereas, Texting while driving is the most dangerous of all cell phone-related tasks; and

            Whereas, Over the last three years, text messaging has increased greatly among cell phone users, and those who text while driving are more likely to be involved in a collision; and

            Whereas, Ensuring the safety of all citizens traveling on Michigan's roads and highways is a priority; and

            Whereas, On September 19, 2012, and throughout the year, we join with AT&T, numerous telecommunications providers, and safety and law enforcement agencies across the state and throughout the nation to raise awareness of the dangers of texting while driving; and

            Whereas, We encourage all drivers to remember that no distraction, including sending and receiving text messages, is worth the risk of injury and loss of life to themselves or their passengers or others on Michigan roadways; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body declare September 19, 2012, as No Texting While Driving - Pledge Day in the state of Michigan.