The Massachusetts Senate and House have come up with a compromise proposal to combat distracted driving. Included in this agreement is a statewide ban on texting while driving, as well as a ban on cell phone use for drivers under the age of 18. Adults, however, will still be allowed to use handheld cellular phones while driving.
Prior to reaching this agreement, the House and Senate had separately passed two bills. The compromise bill will also include a new requirement that older drivers renew their licenses in person and start taking an eye test every five years beginning at age 75.
Already, 28 other states have passed texting while driving bans, and Massachusetts has been behind other states when it comes to law enforcement and educational efforts in the fight against distracted driving. Unlike 43 other states, Massachusetts still does not record data to determine what role distracted driving may have played in causing traffic crashes.
The new bill will go to state legislators for a final vote. If approved it will go to the desk of Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick, who is expected to sign it. The new law would then take effect in 90 days.
Our Boston injury lawyers are aware of the dangers that distracted driving can pose. Texting, talking on the cell phone, reading, watching movies on a laptop, scrolling through an iPod, and surfing the Internet on a Blackberry, iPhone, or other device while operating a motor vehicle are all activities that fall under the category of distracted driving.
People can actually get thrown in jail for causing a Boston car crash that resulted in injuries or deaths because they were distracted. Massachusetts motor vehicle crash victims may also have grounds for a Boston personal injury lawsuit against the motorist.
Mass. moves closer to ban on texting while driving, Bloomberg Business Week, June 22, 2010
Mass. lawmakers agree to ban texting while driving, Boston, June 22, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Cell Phone and Texting Laws, GHSA
Distracted Driving, Distraction.gov
Our Boston personal injury lawyers represent Massachusetts traffic accident victims and their families throughout the state.