Put down your phones while driving.

We could stop our editorial right there, so simple yet important is that message.

Talking or scrolling on your phone while driving distracts you from paying attention to the road, and distracted driving causes thousands of crashes across the U.S. every year, including fatal crashes. In Michigan, 21 fatal crashes were caused by cell phones in 2021, according to the Office of Highway Safety Planning.

Now, Michiganders have another reason to put away their phones. As of June 30, thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, it’s illegal to use a phone while driving.

Using hands-free technology is allowed, but those using their hands to talk or scroll on the phone face a $100 penalty for a first-time offense, a $250 fine for subsequent offenses, and fines double if people on their phones are involved in a crash.

We’re glad to see the law in place.

Focusing on the road is the only job a driver has when behind the wheel, and the only thing that driver should be doing.

No text, tweet, or phone call is worth your life or the life of your fellow motorists or pedestrians.

So put the phones away when driving.

It’s the law.