Representative Nesbitt offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 319.   

            A resolution to declare September 19, 2012, as Don't Text and Drive Day in the state of Michigan.  

            Whereas, Ensuring the health and safety of all citizens traveling on Michigan roads and highways is a significant concern; and

            Whereas, Text messaging is becoming the main mode of communication for most American teenagers, with half of all teens sending between 21 and 70 text messages per day; and

            Whereas, A survey conducted by AT&T shows that 43% of all American teenage drivers admitted to texting while driving even though 97% recognize the danger that comes with it; and

            Whereas, According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traffic accidents are the number one cause of teen deaths in the United States; and

            Whereas, Sending or reading a text message has the driver of an automobile take their eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, significantly increasing the chances of collision; and

            Whereas, A driver sending a text message while driving not only jeopardizes their own safety, but also the safety and well-being of their passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road; and

            Whereas, Safety agencies and telecommunications providers across the nation, including the National Safety Council, National Organizations for Youth Safety, the Wireless Association, AT&T, the U.S. Department of Transportation and many others agree on the important task of raising awareness about the dangers of texting while driving; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 19, 2012, as Don't Text and Drive Day in the state of Michigan.