GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — With spring now in full swing, local officials are making safety a top priority.
Two major initiatives for drivers are underway this week. Distracted driving and work zone safety are both getting a lot of attention this week.
Sgt. Mike Vandenbosh with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office is tired of getting the call that distracted driving led to another crash.
"It rates right up there with intoxicated and impaired drivers," said Vandenbosh.
This month, deputies in Ottawa County are taking action.
"So not only are the deputies being encouraged to look for them, but they've also been encouraged to follow through with enforcement action," said Vandenbosh. "That means probably not a verbal warning of you get stopped but probably an issued citation."
Distracted driving is an issue MDOT is also trying to fight as they kick off work zone safety awareness this week.
"I talked to a lot of guys on the crew and they say everyday, every minute they see people driving through too fast. They're speeding, they're tailgating, they're not even looking through their windshield. They're looking down on the laps of their phones," said John Richard with MDOT.
MDOT is urging drivers to slow down especially as construction season picks up.
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