Michigan police launch ‘Operation Ghost Rider’ to catch you on your phone

Law enforcement officers from across Michigan are cracking down on distracted driving.

State, county, and local agencies will begin conducting “Operation Ghost Rider” on Monday with the goal to reduce distracted driving deaths and injuries. The initiative is coordinated by the Transportation Improvement Association.

“Despite knowing the risks, distracted drivers continue to put themselves and the innocent people around them in danger,” said Jim Santilli, CEO of TIA and chairman of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commissions’ Distracted Driving Action Team. “Sadly, many people have lost a loved one to a completely preventable behavior. We can all do our part by keeping our eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times.”

The operation uses unmarked spotter vehicles looking for distracted drivers. Once they do that will radio a fully marked law enforcement unit to initiate a traffic stop.

The operation comes after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a 2023 bill making it illegal to manually use a cell phoneor other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads.

Under the law, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms, or shoulders. Even if a cell phone or other device is mounted on a dashboard or connected to a vehicle’s built-in system, a driver cannot use their hands to operate it beyond a single touch.

Violating the law the first time can result in a $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service while second violations include a $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service.

Three violations within a 3-year period will require completion of a driving-improvement course. Fines are doubled if a traffic crash occurs, and the at-fault driver was holding or manually using a mobile device while operating the vehicle.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, drivers holding phones are 4 times more likely to get into a crash serious enough to cause injury. Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.

Several mobilizations of the operation will be scheduled in 2024.