Year: 2011
Resolution Number: 59
Action Taken: Approved as Amended
Status:
Author(s): Gilbert Padula, MD
Sponsor: Domenic R. Federico, MD
On behalf of: Kent County Delegation
Committee: B (Legislation)
Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS ask the AMA to work with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate policies and programs to incentivize states to reduce the occurrence of distracted driving, and be it further RESOLVED: That MSMS seek state legislation to mandate a hands free or Bluetooth device when using a cell phones while driving. RATIONALE: The Committee was informed that the AMA already adopted a policy in 2009 that seeks to require hands free devices. However, MSMS has no such policy internally. Therefore, the Committee recommends the first resolved which provides consistency between the positions of MSMS and the AMA. The Committee also believed that as new data regarding distracted driving emerges, it will point toward policies designed to address this issue. The Committee discussed the positive role that NHTSA has had in encouraging seat belt and children’s car seat laws, as well as the negative impact of Congress limiting the role of NHTSA in incentivizing motorcycle helmet laws. The Committee envisions NHTSA taking a leadership role in incentivizing states to adopt laws regarding distracted driving consistent with their findings within the available data.
RESOLVED: That MSMS ask the AMA to work with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate policies and programs to incentivize states to reduce the occurrence of distracted driving, and be it further RESOLVED: That MSMS seek state legislation to mandate a hands free or Bluetooth device when using a cell phones while driving. RATIONALE: The Committee was informed that the AMA already adopted a policy in 2009 that seeks to require hands free devices. However, MSMS has no such policy internally. Therefore, the Committee recommends the first resolved which provides consistency between the positions of MSMS and the AMA. The Committee also believed that as new data regarding distracted driving emerges, it will point toward policies designed to address this issue. The Committee discussed the positive role that NHTSA has had in encouraging seat belt and children’s car seat laws, as well as the negative impact of Congress limiting the role of NHTSA in incentivizing motorcycle helmet laws. The Committee envisions NHTSA taking a leadership role in incentivizing states to adopt laws regarding distracted driving consistent with their findings within the available data.
Fiscal Note: NULL
Resolution: View PDF for Cell Phone Ban while Driving in Michigan