Traffic Deaths in Michigan Have Increased

According to the Detroit Free Press, the number of traffic deaths jumped by 10.4 percent to 17,775 in the first six months of this year, and at least one of the culprits is likely the rising instance of texting while driving.

The latest report compiled said the second quarter of 2016 was the seventh consecutive quarter that fatalities rose compared to the same quarter the previous year.

The agency did not cite specific causes other than a 3.3% increase in number of miles driven, but data compiled by the National Safety Council shows texting while driving is a factor.