AIA ENCOURAGED BY MASSACHUSETTS DRIVER SAFETY LEGISLATION
More Can Be Done to Promote Safer Roads
WASHINGTON, DC, July 2, 2010 - Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has signed H. 4795, an Act Relative to Safe Driving, according to the American Insurance Association (AIA).
“We are pleased that new law encourages safer driving in the Bay State; however, we believe that the legislation could have gone even further in preventing accidents and needless losses,” said John Murphy, AIA vice president, Northeast Region.
Specifically, H. 4795 bans texting while driving and applies to all vehicle operators, including law enforcement officials. Violations of this policy could result in hefty fines: $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, $500 for subsequent offenses.
“Studies show that texting while driving is as bad as, or even worse than, driving under the influence. Drivers should always devote their full attention to the road when travelling,” Murphy said. “Fortunately, this legislation recognizes the hazardous nature of sending and receiving texts messages when behind the wheel, and provides appropriate disincentives for drivers considering partaking in such a dangerous activity.”
H. 4795 also prohibits junior operators (those under 18 years of age) from using any type of cell phone or electronic device, including hands-free devices, while they are driving. Violators of this provision will be fined and have their licenses suspended.
“AIA fully supports the general court’s recognition that novice drivers need to focus solely at the task at hand, and that the additional distraction of cell phones or other handheld devices makes for a dangerous combination. This reasoning, however, should extend to the entire population, and not just new drivers,” Murphy said. “AIA and its members would have preferred that H. 4795 included a cell phone ban for all Massachusetts drivers.
“That said, we commend the legislature and the governor for approving this important piece of legislation, and will continue to work with lawmakers to ensure that drivers and passengers in Massachusetts safely reach their destinations,” Murphy concluded.