Thursday Governor Patrick signed a bill that bans texting while driving as well as requires vision tests every five years to older drivers. The new law also bans scanning the internet on a mobile device while driving. The fine for texting while driving will be $100 for a first offense, and up to $500 for repeat offenses. The fine will not be considered a moving violation. Police will be able to pull over anyone they suspect of texting while driving.
Also included in the law is a ban for anyone under the age of 18 from talking on their cellphone and driving. Violators face suspension of their license or permit.
Massachusetts is the 29th state to adapt a "No Texting while driving" law. The law will go in to effect in October, and comes on the heels of a number of crashes caused by cell phone use while driving.
Source: AP
Comments
That's great news!
I am all for a law like this. I just hope it isn't another excuse to pull over "young adult males." It amazes me that cell phone use hasn't yet been banned altogether. Seems like every person I see is talking on their cell phone while driving (and usually drifting out of their lane and not paying attention to the road). Get a hands-free solution or put the phone down until you are home!
Laws are GREAT...BUT, and I mean But...Just like laws against drinking while driving people will still do it...That is a fact. Several states already have laws on the books for this but the accident rate and death rates are not improving.While I appreciate the above idea, because all ideas that help prevent Texting While Driving (TWD) are good, there is ONLY one comprehensive solution to this problem. It is software installed on the phone that STOPS TWD AND STOPS E-Mailing while driving and a host of other child and adult protection features...all for under $10 a month. Seeing is believing! Contact me at gregw@WebSafetyUSA.com or guardmychild@aol.com or visit my website at www.WebSafetyUSA.com WebSafety CellSafety
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