Police target distracted drivers in metro Detroit

Marina Johnson, Detroit Free Press
·1 min read
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Police in metro Detroit will be targeting distracted drivers beginning Monday using unmarked police vehicles to spot motorists on their cellphones.

Officers from the Michigan State Police, county sheriff’s offices, and local police departments will kick off “Operation Ghost Rider” on April 24, according to a news release from the Transportation Improvement Association (TIA).

In recognition of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the initiative will target motorists distracted and engaged on their cellphones. The aim is to reduce distracted driving deaths and injuries.

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Jim Santilli, CEO of TIA and chairman of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Commissions’ Distracted Driving Action team, said distracted driving is a major safety concern.

“We can save lives by simply keeping our eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times. We hope Operation Ghost Rider will further educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving.”

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The initiative uses unmarked spotter vehicles with a law enforcement officer inside to find distracted drivers. Once spotted, the officer radios a fully marked law enforcement vehicle to conduct the traffic stop.

“Distracted driving crashes are 100 percent preventable. As drivers, we must do better,” said First Lt. Mike Shaw of the Michigan State Police. “We will continue to educate motorists and hope that personal accountability will help decrease distracted driving. But we also know enforcement is key.”

The initiative, planned by the TIA, is funded by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP).

Participating agencies include the Auburn Hills Police Department, Chesterfield Township Police Department, Clinton Township Police Department, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby Township Police Department, Sterling Heights Police Department, Taylor Police Department, and Utica Police Department.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Police use unmarked vehicles for distracted driving initiative