Senator Casperson offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 40.

            A resolution commemorating April 2017 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

            Whereas, Distracted driving claims the lives of thousands of people each year and causes hundreds of thousands of injuries; and

            Whereas, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 94 percent of car crashes are the result of driver error; and

            Whereas, 2015 Michigan statistics reports there were 297,023 crashes and 963 fatal crashes, a 10 percent increase from 2014; and

Whereas, 2015 Michigan statistics show Distracted Driving crashes nationwide have increased 10 percent over 2014, which is largest percentage increase in 50 years; and

Whereas, 2015 Michigan statistics report that 16-year-old crashes in Michigan increased 138 percent, and 15 yrs and younger crashes increased  by 67 percent, and an increase for every driver 20 years old and under; and

Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States eight people are killed and 1,161 injured every day in crashes that are reported to involve distracted driving; and

            Whereas, The improved health and well-being of Michigan citizens are a direct result of increased awareness about the dangers of distracted driving; and

            Whereas, Local communities across the state and the Michigan Teen Safe Driving Coalition are committed to reducing the number of traffic deaths and injuries in the state of Michigan by educating motorists and bringing awareness to dangerous driving behaviors; and

            Whereas, The campaign against distracted driving has also been immensely aided by law enforcement efforts in Michigan; and

            Whereas, A month dedicated to programs and activities about distracted driving will greatly raise awareness; now, therefore, be it

          Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby recognize April 2017 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the family of Kelsey Raffaele.