State Troopers Target High-Traffic Corridor in Multi-Agency Enforcement Initiative

Michigan State Police are increasing patrols along I-94 in a coordinated effort to crack down on distracted driving, nearly three years after state lawmakers banned the use of cell phones while driving. Despite the legislation, Michigan State Police reports show an increase in distracted driving deaths, according to recently-released data.

Special Lieutenant Patrick Agema tells drivers that the increased presence of troopers on I-94 aims to deter drivers from engaging in risky behaviors such as texting while driving.

"I think whether you're traveling across the state or hours away, you know, be mindful of what you're doing," Agema said. "The goal is to get there and be safe. Put the cell phones down, you don't use risky behavior."

Rising Fatalities Despite Fewer Crashes

A study from Michigan State University found phone use among drivers rose from 5.2 percent in 2024 to 5.7 percent in 2025. The website Michigan Traffic Crash Facts reported around 600 fewer distracted driving crashes in 2024 compared to 2023. However, the number of deadly crashes increased by about 10 percent during the same period.

"While fewer distracted-driving crashes is encouraging news, the increase in mobile device use and distracted-driving-related fatalities is alarming," said Alicia Sledge, OHSP director. "Nearly 300 people have died in distraction-involved crashes in Michigan from 2020 to 2024. That should concern every roadway user and underscores the need for people to embrace safer-driving habits."

Multi-State Enforcement Initiative

The enforcement effort is part of a multi-agency initiative called "Lake to Lake, Focused and Safe" that spans more than 500 miles from Indiana through Michigan and into Ontario. Michigan State Police joined agencies from Indiana and Canada on Wednesday in a coordinated distracted driving enforcement effort along the I-94 corridor.

MSP chose to focus enforcement efforts on I-94 due to its high traffic volume, Special Lieutenant Agema explained. He noted while most drivers comply with the law, a significant number still do not. To address this, troopers will be vigilant in identifying and penalizing offenders.

Penalties for Violating Hands-Free Law

Drivers caught for the first time face a $100 fine and are required to complete 16 hours of community service, Michigan State Police said. The penalties escalate with subsequent offenses. For the second offense, a driver faces a $250 ticket and/or 24 hours of community service. For a third offense within a three-year period, the driver must complete a driving-improvement course.

"I really want you to use Bluetooth devices, try and use that," said Trooper Mason Rose, who patrols the Jackson area where I-94 intersects US-127.

Rose noted the Jackson area sees heavy traffic that can quickly lead to crashes. "It's a big corridor, like you said, divides the state really north and south, east and west," Rose said.

Expert Warnings on the Dangers of Distracted Driving

Logan Trudell of Tripps Collision Center warned that many crashes start with a momentary lapse in attention. "A lot of the stuff we hear that comes in is just a simple slip of the mind," Trudell said. He added that the consequences could range from anything from winding up in a ditch to someone hitting you or vice versa.

Jim Santilli, CEO of the National Transportation Safety Organization, emphasized that stopping the use of handheld devices while driving must be a priority to keep all roadway users safe. "Distracted driving is not an accident — it is a deliberate choice that can inflict lasting harm on families," Santilli said.

Santilli noted that distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on Michigan roads, with cell phone use the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking.

"Any activity that takes your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel is extremely reckless and can have devastating consequences," Santilli said.

Educational Efforts Underway

The enforcement is part of the SAFER by 2030 initiative. SAFER (Statewide Action to Reduce Fatalities Encountered on our Roadways) by 2030 is a collaborative effort by state agencies and traffic safety partners to reduce traffic fatalities on Michigan roadways by 30 percent by the year 2030.

Educational efforts by SAFER by 2030 partner agencies include the posting of Hands-Free Law signs at rest stops and Welcome Centers by the Michigan Department of Transportation, the OHSP's distracted-driving paid media campaign, and the Kiefer Foundation's "Just Drive Simulator" for high schools.

Statewide Enforcement During Distracted Driving Awareness Month

With a rise in the use of handheld devices by drivers on Michigan roadways and in support of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, police agencies throughout the state are teaming up with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) for a high-visibility enforcement effort during the month of April.

The goal of this initiative is to reduce traffic crashes, injuries and deaths caused by distracted driving, especially those involving the use of a mobile device. According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver decreased by 4.6 percent from 15,136 in 2023 to 14,439 in 2024. However, the number of fatalities in distraction-involved crashes increased 10 percent from 59 fatalities in 2023 to 65 in 2024.

"While the number of crashes has decreased, distracted driving deaths have risen, according to state troopers," the report noted.

Sources

  • Michigan State Police News Release — Distracted Driving Awareness Month will focus on enforcing Hands-Free Law — https://www.michigan.gov/mspnewsroom/news-releases/2026/04/01/distracted-driving-awareness-month-will-focus-on-enforcing-hands-free-law
  • WWMT News Channel 3 — Michigan State Police to boost I-94 patrols in distracted driving crackdown — https://wwmt.com/news/local/michigan-state-police-to-boost-i-94-patrols-in-distracted-driving-crackdown-west-michigan-kalamazoo
  • WILX News 10 — Michigan State Police target distracted driving along I-94 — https://www.wilx.com/2026/04/01/michigan-state-police-target-distracted-driving-along-i-94/