New Kelsey Law Bans Michigan Teens from Using Cellphone While Driving

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January 9th, 2013 at 3:50 pm

Do you have a new teen driver in the house? Then there's a new Michigan law that will affect you and your teen. This past Tuesday Gov. Rick Snyder signed Kelsey's Law, which prohibits new teen drivers from using a cellphone while on the road.

The law was developed in response to the death of Kelsey Dawn Raffaele, a 17-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie. Back in 2010 Kelsey crashed her vehicle while on her phone and attempting to pass another car on icy roads, resulting in her death.

The new law states that drivers with a Level I or a Level II graduated license are banned from holding a cellphone while behind the wheel. There are however exceptions, using the voice operation-hands free option on a phone to make urgent calls such as reporting traffic accidents, crime, or medical emergencies is allowed.

This law accompanies the one already in place in Michigan where all drivers are prohibited from texting and using the internet while driving. For the first offense drivers will be fined $100, any additional will be $200.

Kelsey's mother Bonnie Raffaele has been traveling throughout Michigan since Kelsey's death to speak to high school students about the seriousness of distracted driving. Raffaele has also formed “KDR Challenge”, which not only stands for her daughter's initials, but also “Kids Driving Responsibly.” Raffaele says of the newly signed law, “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 the tragic death of hers,” (New Michigan law prohibits teens from using cellphones while driving, Chad Livengood, Detroit News, http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130109/POLITICS02/301090358).

Kelsey's death hit home for Snyder not only because his own daughter is named Kelsey, but also because she just got her license back in August; “this is one that strikes our hearts in terms of making a difference in people's lives,” (New Michigan law prohibits teens from using cellphones while driving, Chad Livengood, Detroit News).

To find out more about KDR Challenge visit http://www.thekdrchallenge.com/.

To find out more on the Kelsey's Law visit http://kelseyslaw.com.

Posted in Uncategorized, Legal, News by Jason Waechter, Esq.

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