KDPS to participate in national ‘U Drive. U Text. U Pay.’ distracted driving enforcement campaign April 8
Kalamazoo, Mich. – The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) will join law enforcement agencies across the state in a campaign to remind drivers about the dangers and consequences of texting and distracted driving on April 8. This annual campaign is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” high-visibility enforcement effort.
According to NHTSA, between 2012 and 2019, 26,004 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. While fatalities from motor-vehicle crashes decreased slightly from 2018, distraction-related fatalities increased by 10%. NHTSA also reported that the number of deaths linked to driver distraction was 3,142 nationwide, or almost 9% of all fatalities in 2019. This represents a 10% increase over the year 2018, or 284 more fatalities. The distraction figure was the largest increase in causes of traffic deaths reported for 2019.
Millennials and Gen Z are the most distracted drivers, often using their cell phones to talk, text, and scroll through social media while behind the wheel. According to NHTSA research from 2017, young drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers since 2007. In 2019, 9% of people killed in teen (15-19) driving crashes died when the teen drivers were distracted at the time of the crash.
“Texting and other forms of distracted driving are increasing habits that put everyone at risk, even those of us in law enforcement,” said Matt Huber, Assistant Chief of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. “We want motorists to focus on driving, with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”
Violating Michigan’s distracted-driving laws can be costly. For a first offense, motorists are fined $100. Subsequent offenses cost $200.
Many drivers are guilty of a “double standard” when it comes to distracted driving. In its 2018 Traffic Safety Culture Index, the AAA Foundation reported that while nearly 96% of drivers believed it was very or extremely dangerous to read a text or email while driving, 4 out of 10 drivers admitted to doing so within the previous 30 days.
Drive Safe Every Trip
KDPS and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you need to text, pull over and do not drive while doing so. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe driving experience:
• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
• Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
• Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. No text or post is worth ruining someone’s day — or taking a life. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.
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Contact: Ryan Bridges, bridgesr@kalamazoocity.org, 269-762-2922
KDPS investigates Vine Neighborhood shooting, seeks assistance locating suspect vehicle
Kalamazoo, Mich. – On Tuesday, March 23, at approximately 6:42 P.M., officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) responded to the area of Ranney Street and S. Westnedge Avenue for a report of shots fired. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing a van fleeing, and one other suspect running on foot from the area.
Multiple citizens contacted 911 and provided a detailed description and location of one of the suspects involved.
When officers arrived on scene, they located the suspect who fled on foot getting into a vehicle attempting to leave the area. A traffic stop was conducted, and the suspect – a juvenile – was located, arrested and is currently being lodged at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home. A firearm used in the shooting was recovered.
Several citizen calls to dispatch advised that a minivan – possibly a dark green Chrysler Town and Country – was also involved in the shooting. The vehicle appears to have a broken rear windshield wiper and is missing a wheel cover on rear of the driver’s side.
In addition, several business owner shared that their buildings had been struck by gunfire, including on that reported its gas meter was leaking after being hit by a bullet. KDPS officers were able to shut the gas valve off and stop the leak.
KDPS would like to thank residents for providing a detailed description of the suspects which led to the arrest of one of the involved suspects.
However, KDPS is seeking the assistance of the public with locating and identifying the other suspects involved.
Attached is a picture of the suspect vehicle involved in the shooting.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8120 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.
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Felonious Assault, Juvenile arrested
Date: February 9, 2021
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: KDPS Criminal Investigation Division 269-337-8139
Kalamazoo, MI:
On 2/9/2021 at approximately 11:15am, Public Safety Officers responded to the 1300 block of California for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, Officers located a 45-year-old male suffering from a non-life-threatening stab wound to his chest. The male advised officers that he sustained the injury after a family member threw two knives at him. One of the knives struck him in the chest while the second knife missed him.
The suspect, a 14-year-old male from Kalamazoo, left the address on foot prior to officer’s arrival but was located a short distance away. The suspect was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home on the charge of felonious assault.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8120 or Silent Observer at 343-2100
By authority of:
Sgt. M. Ferguson #12557
KDPS resumes street parking enforcement to pre-COVID-19 levels
Enforcement was temporarily suspended due to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 stay-at-home orders
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Wednesday announced they have resumed street parking enforcement across the City of Kalamazoo. The announcement comes after parking enforcement was suspended in March 2020 when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued the stay at home orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective immediately, KDPS officers will resume enforcing City Ordinance 36-170, which prohibits vehicles from being parked on any city street between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m., unless otherwise allowed by the City of Kalamazoo’s traffic engineer.
Compliance with Ordinance 36-170 is critical during winter months, as it assists snow removal crews plow streets as needed. Illegally parked vehicles during times of heavy snowfall can impede the access of snowplows and emergency vehicles.
To view Ordinance 36-170 in its entirety, visit: https://ecode360.com/9698650?highlight=&searchId=35918892103916992#9698650.
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Fire at Borgess Hospital
Date: 12-15-2020
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Scott Brooks, Fire Marshal’s Office, 337-8260
On 12/15/2020, at approximately 10:45 am, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety along with Kalamazoo Township Fire Department responded to Borgess Hospital for the report of an fire in the building. Officers arrived quickly and aided by the fire suppression system were able to extinguish the fire. There were no serious injuries and the incident is currently under investigation.
By authority of:
Fire Marshal Scott Brooks
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