Gov. Snyder signs cellphone ban for novice drivers
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LANSING, Mich. (AP/WJBK) -- Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed a law prohibiting novice teen drivers from using a hand-held cellphone while behind the wheel, a nod to a grieving mother's push to enact the restrictions after her daughter was killed in a car crash.
The law "strikes our hearts in terms of making a difference in people's lives," the Republican governor said. He was joined at the bill signing by the family of Kelsey Raffaele, a 17-year-old from the Upper Peninsula town of Sault Ste. Marie who in the winter of 2010 veered into an oncoming vehicle on a slippery road while talking on her phone.
The law takes effect in late March and applies to holders of Level 1 licenses, who must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or another driver at least 21 years old. It also covers Level 2 licenses, which allow driving alone with limits on hours and carrying of young passengers.
A violation is a civil infraction and will not result in points being added to a driver's record.
Drivers with full privileges are exempted. Level 1 and 2 drivers can legally talk on a hands-free phone system integrated into their vehicles and can use a hand-held phone to report an emergency.
"I know that Kelsey is up in heaven just clapping and screaming for joy over this because of the lives that can be saved through (her) tragic death," said Bonnie Raffaele, Kelsey's mom, who hugged the Republican governor after he signed the bill sponsored by Sen. Howard Walker, R-Traverse City.
Snyder said the law is "very personal" to him because he also has a daughter named Kelsey who recently got her driver's license.
Thirty-two states have similar laws.
"New young drivers have really not a lot of experience so they need to be paying really close attention to driving and study after study shows that talking on a cellphone while you're driving is just one of the most dangerous things you can do," says Nancy Cain, spokesperson for AAA Michigan.
In 2010, Michigan banned all drivers from texting and driving. Asked why not prohibit adults from using a cellphone while behind the wheel, Snyder told reporters he would wait to see more data, arguing that texting and driving is a definite distraction.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:58:06 GMT
Gallery on the Boulevard is now open to the public. The restored 1918 residence, located in the Historic District of Pontiac's West End, is now home to wonderful works of art.
Gallery on the Boulevard is now open to the public. The restored 1918 residence, located in the Historic District of Pontiac's West End, is now home to wonderful works of art.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-15 17:36:38 GMT
A pair of osprey that made a nest on a power pole in Berlin Township, near the Rockwood Landfill will be getting a new home thanks to crews from DTE Energy.
A pair of osprey that made a nest on a power pole in Berlin Township, near the Rockwood Landfill will be getting a new home thanks to crews from DTE Energy.
Monday, May 13 2013 11:43 AM EDT2013-05-13 15:43:11 GMT
Hundreds of firefighters lined the streets in front of the Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn to bid farewell to 29-year-old Brian Woehlke, a Wayne-Westland firefighter killed last week in the line of duty.
Hundreds of firefighters lined the streets in front of the Church of the Divine Child in Dearborn to bid farewell to 29-year-old Brian Woehlke, a Wayne-Westland firefighter who was killed while crews battled a blaze at a Westland strip mall last week.
Monday, May 13 2013 10:13 AM EDT2013-05-13 14:13:39 GMT
Family and friends are gathering Monday to remember the life of Brian Woehlke, the 29-year-old firefighter who was killed last week while crews battled a blaze at a Westland strip mall.
Family and friends are gathering Monday to remember the life of Brian Woehlke, the 29-year-old firefighter who was killed last week while crews battled a blaze at a Westland strip mall.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:03:31 GMT
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74 year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
A trip to Subway turned into a nightmare for an elderly Berkley couple Friday afternoon in Commerce Township. Oakland County Sheriffs say a man left his 74 year-old wife in the car, while he ran inside
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:54:31 GMT
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. The shooter, in a gold truck, is still on the loose.
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. We're told a group of 10 people were drinking and partying outside the house when a gold truck rolled down the street and started firing.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:52:35 GMT
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Let It Rip Weekend: Doggy Insurance, Pit Bull Bans & $15 Minimum Wage
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:33 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:33:58 GMT
This time we're talking about a new requirement in Royal Oak that has some dog owners taking out $1 million insurance policies on their pooches. Plus, Waterford Township is considering repealing their
Should owners of dangerous dogs have to take out $1 million insurance policies? Are pit bull bans a good idea? Plus, should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
