Texting and driving will cost you

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Local authorities will be cracking down on distracted driving starting today. The nationwide U-Drive, U-Text, U-Pay campaign runs through Monday and those who are caught will face a $100 ticket for first time offenders. According to Port Huron Police Sergeant Doug Decker, the number of fatalities in distracted driving crashes increased 67% between 2016 and 2017, underscoring the need for more awareness. Over the past five years, nearly 20,000 people died nationwide in crashes involving a distracted driver. Decker adds that distracted driving includes more than just cell phone use, and includes smoking, eating, drinking, or reading while driving. A total of 72 people in Michigan were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2017.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH SERGEANT DOUG DECKER: