During our morning commute — especially on Wednesday during the winter storm — we couldn’t help but notice that some of our area residents still aren’t following the hands-free law in Michigan.

www.michigan.gov states that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill making it illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle on Michigan roads. Under the law, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms, or shoulders.

“Even if a cell phone or other device is mounted on your dashboard or connected to your vehicle’s built-in system, you cannot use your hands to operate it beyond a single touch,” the website states.

As a result, you cannot manually do any of the following on a cell phone or other electronic device while driving:

≤ Make or answer a telephone or video call.

≤ Send or read a text or email message.

≤ Watch, record, or send a video.

≤ Access, read, or post to social media.

≤ Browse or use the internet.

≤ Enter information into GPS or a navigation system.

The website also states that there are three main types of distraction: visual (taking your eyes off the road); manual (taking your hands off the wheel); and cognitive (taking your mind off of the drive). Texting is the most alarming distraction because it involves all three types of distraction.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes.

Driving in winter weather is difficult enough — the text messages can wait until you are stopped at a safe location. And no, that doesn’t mean a traffic light. Since we’re on the topic, maybe that Big Mac and fries can wait until you’ve reached a safe location as well.

By being mindful on the road, we can do our part to keep our community safe.