State Rep. Triston Cole this week introduced a plan to reduce accidents caused by distracted driving with an important update to Michigan’s texting-while-driving ban.

Cole’s plan would add reading an email or sending a message on cellphone social media apps to the list of banned activities for drivers. The legislation would expand a ban that already includes texting on a cellphone while behind the wheel.

“It’s time we put our cellphones away while driving – and that includes checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and all the rest of it,” Cole said. “Social media can wait until the driving is done. Making this important change to Michigan law will keep our roads safer for everyone by eliminating potential distractions for drivers.”

Cole’s plan also limits new drivers under the age of 18 or with a level 1 or level 2 graduated license from talking or listening to a cellphone call while driving except in the case of an emergency.

“Establishing healthy habits early with drivers will help save lives,” Cole said.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drivers talking on a cellphone are up to four times as likely to crash while those who text are up to eight times as likely to be involved in a crash.

House Bill 4198 has been referred to the House Transportation Committee.

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