Michigan's new cellphone laws are now in effect. Here's how to drive distraction-free.

Madeline Beck, Detroit Free Press
·5 min read
2

Michigan's new distracted driving laws go into effect today, prohibiting the use of a cellphone while driving, unless it's being used via a hands-free program or device.

Here are some tips to help you drive distraction-free, along with some of the best phone mounts for those who require mobile GPS without the hassle.

Tips for safe, hands-free driving in Michigan

Around 3,000 people are killed every year in the United States in accidents involving distracted drivers. Examples of driving while distracted include:

  • Cellphone usage (texting, emailing, phone calls, social media and mobile games)

  • Eating

  • Conversations with other passengers

More: Michigan's new distracted driving law is now in effect. Here's what to know.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, checking a text while driving just 55 mph is "like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed." Here are some simple things you can do to prevent distraction and keep yourself and other drivers safe:

  • Put your phone on "do not disturb," or silence your notifications: Even the sound of a phone chirping can be distracting, plus it pressures many of us to check our notifications when we shouldn't be. Silence your phone so you can keep notifications out of your mind while you drive.

  • Turn up the volume on your GPS: To ensure you keep your eyes on the road as much as possible, turn the volume up on your GPS rather than glancing over at the map. Perhaps even take a look at your route beforehand to create as smooth a ride as possible.

  • Prepare before you drive: To guarantee a distraction-free drive, prepare your hands-free station beforehand. Queue up your music, turn on your GPS if necessary and buckle up. The open road is ahead.

Cellphone mounts for hands-free GPS

For those who require a little direction but lack built-in GPS, here are some handy solutions to help you drive hands-free.

Dashboard and windshield mounts

  • iOttie iTap Magnetic 2 Dash & Windshield Mount ($24.95 on Amazon or $24.99 at Target): This mount attaches to your dashboard or windshield through a suction base and uses magnets to secure your phone.

  • iOttie Easy One Touch Mini Dash & Windshield Mount ($16.95 at Walmart): This cheaper version of the iOttie magnetic car mount uses clamps rather than magnets to hold your phone in place while you drive.

  • PopSockets PopMount 2 ($36.20 on Amazon or $29.99 at Best Buy): For fans of PopSockets, this phone mount is perfect for you. The PopMount comes in black or pink and even features cord holders for easy charging. A PopSocket is required to use the item, which secures to your dash with peel-and-stick adhesive.

  • Scosche MagicMount ($12.99 on Amazon — normally $17.99 — or $12.77 at Walmart): The Schosche MagicMount features powerful magnetic grip, cable clips, adhesive base and adjustable body.

  • Ram Mounts Phone Mount ($62.49 on Amazon or $62.99 at Walmart): This suction-cup mount attaches to your windshield, is bulkier in size and ideal for truck, SUV and RV drivers.

Air vent mounts

  • Kenu Airframe Qi Wireless Charging Vent Mount ($59.95 on Amazon): The magnetic Kenu mount features a wireless charging pad and USB port, clips easily onto most air vents and will shut off when necessary to prevent overheating. The item also comes with a USB cable as well as a 12V DC car charger.

  • Belkin Magnetic Wireless Car Charger ($55.52 on Amazon - normally $59.99): For those with MagSafe-compatible phones, this magnetic mount clips onto any air vent.

  • Ainope Gravity Phone Holder ($15.99 on Amazon - normally $24.99): If you have a bulkier phone or phone case, this option is for you. The holder isn't magnetic, but instead clamps onto your phone.

  • Lisen Magnetic Phone Mount ($15.99 on Amazon or $13.49 at Walmart): The Lisen mount features an adjustable backing along with a strong hold sure to keep your phone from slipping.

Cupholder mounts

  • Topgo Cup Holder Phone Mount ($23.99 on Amazon): This phone holder fits in just about any cupholder and is perfect for those who want to keep their phone close to their side (without hands-on engagement). The mount is simple to set up, cinches your cellphone and has an adjustable neck to allow for maximum usage.

  • Cell Phone Seat - Universal Phone & Cup Holder ($29.95 on Amazon or $39.99 at Walmart): This holder is perfect for kids or for those who don't want to give up a whole cupholder. Slip your water bottle or morning coffee into the attached cupholder while you use the phone mount for maximum usage.

Comparing phone mounts

Dashboard vs. air vent vs. cupholder mounts

  • Dashboard and windshield mounts provide optimal eye-level visibility, no doubt making them ideal for using GPS without having to look away from the road. They come with adhesive or suction bases, and depending on the surface you're dealing with, one option may work better than the other.

  • Air vent mounts work well for semi-eye-level visibility and easily clip onto your air vents, allowing for easy transport from vehicle to vehicle.

  • Cupholder mounts work well for kids and other passengers, are easy to set up and are adjustable and versatile.

Magnetic vs. clamp mounts

  • All magnetic phone mounts require you attach a metal plate to your phone in order to use. They may slip easier than clamp mounts, which tighten their arms to best fir your phone, but are more compact and allow for easier phone accessibility.

  • Clamp mounts grip onto your phone using dual joints. They may have limited accessibility vs. magnetic mounts when it comes to phone display but are ideal for a strong hold in bumpy conditions.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan cellphone law in effect: Hands-free driving tips