EAST LANSING, Mich. — The East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) launched a distracted driver initiative this month and the first round of enforcement took place on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
ELPD had officers out in unmarked cars looking for violations. When a violation was witnessed, a dedicated marked patrol car was called to make a traffic stop.
In approximately two hours, ELPD wrote four tickets for texting while driving and one ticket for careless driving (driving while on YouTube). The subject who received the ticket for careless driving was also arrested for an outstanding warrant. The tickets were issued to three citizens and two taxi drivers.
ELPD is committed to reducing the instances of texting while driving through specialized enforcement.
“People who text and drive significantly increase the likelihood of an accident occurring and many of the traffic accidents that ELPD responds to involve texting while driving,” said ELPD Lt. Scott Wriggelsworth. “We are dedicated to making enforcement for these violations a priority, especially given the high pedestrian, bicycle and moped travel associated with Michigan State University.”
“We are asking drivers traveling anywhere to not text and drive – it could mean the difference between life and death for the driver and others on the road,” said East Lansing Interim Police Chief Jeff Murphy. “And, the next time you are driving through East Lansing, be aware that we have plain clothes officers out looking for these violations.”