Massachusetts lawmakers are fighting back against the tide of distracted driving-related crashes with a tough law designed to scare potential violators straight with fines ranging from $100 for a first offense to $500 for a third or subsequent offense. The law makes texting while driving a "primary offense," meaning that police can pull over a driver solely because he or she was texting - no other moving violation (like speeding) is required.
A portion of the law is targeted toward the demographic most likely to send or read text messages while driving: teenagers. Drivers under the age of 18 face not only fines but also the suspension of their driving privileges for anywhere from 60 days for a first offense to a full year for a third or subsequent offense. In addition, while adult drivers are banned from merely sending or reading text messages behind the wheel, juvenile drivers cannot use any manner of "mobile electronic devices" including cell phones, laptops and video screens.
Distracted Driving: A Deadly Epidemic
According to statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 20 percent of injury-causing traffic accidents were caused by a distracted driver, accounting for nearly 450,000 injuries nationwide in 2009 alone. Those numbers encompass all manner of attention-grabbing behind-the-wheel behaviors, including:
- Using a portable electronic device like a cell phone, mp3 player, laptop, tablet, PDA or GPS navigation system
- Eating or drinking
- Personal grooming (like shaving or applying makeup)
- Watching a portable video device
A study performed by researchers at the University of Utah proves that using a cell phone while driving - even a hands-free one - slows the driver's reaction time as much as being legally intoxicated. That level of distraction is an accident waiting to happen. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, seek the advice of a skilled personal injury attorney in your area to learn more about your legal rights and options.
