Senator Casperson offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 165.

            A resolution commemorating April 2016 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, 2014 Michigan statistics report there were 298,699 crashes, 806 fatal crashes, and 378 persons injured; and

Whereas, 2015 preliminary estimates show distracted driving crashes nationwide have increased 8 percent over 2014, which is the largest percentage increase in 50 years; and

Whereas, 175 individuals in Michigan have been killed by automobile crashes since January 2016, up 25 from 2015; and

Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 69 percent of U.S. drivers ages 18-64 say they have talked on their phone while driving, and 31 percent say they have read or sent e-mail or text messages while 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 2016 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further

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