Lawmakers in Lansing want to make Michigan roads safer. Bills to require a 3-foot gap when passing bicyclists are moving through the Legislature. And some lawmakers want to tackle distracted driving next.
Republican Senator Margaret O’Brien says the bicyclist bills are about wrapped up. She hopes requiring drivers give bicyclist a wide birth will remind drivers that they have to share the road.
“Each week, I open the news and it seems like another bicyclist has been hit by a motorist.”
O’Brien says she thinks the bill will head to the governor’s desk soon. So now, she wants to focus on distracted driving. O’Brien introduced legislation back in November that would increase penalties for distracted driving.
Another billwould update the law to specify that drivers cannot use internet-based devices, like computers and tablets, while driving. Cell phone use while driving is already banned.
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—Cheyna Roth is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
