Massachusetts Personal Injury News
Massachusetts Senate Debates Texting While Driving Bill
March 5, 2010 – Mass. – The Massachusetts Senate recently debated a controversial driving bill that would ban texting while driving. The results were mixed.
The Eagle Tribune reports that members of the Mass. Senate voted to support a ban on texting while driving, which is widely considered to be one of the most dangerous things to do while operating a vehicle. Nineteen other states already have such a law in place. The Senate also voted to make this a primary offense, which means police offers can stop drivers if they see them texting while driving.
According to one poll, about 71% of people between ages 18 and 49 have admitted to talking on their cell phone or texting while driving. This behavior has been compared to OUI in terms of the number of accidents it can cause and the level of distraction involved. Some police have expressed concerns that the law would be hard to enforce.
A less popular proposal is the requirement for Massachusetts senior drivers to get a mental and physical health screening every 3 years before they can get their license renewed. The Senate voted to require such checkups for drivers75 years and older.
The final draft of the driving bill will be completed in the next few weeks by the Senate and House conference committee.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident involving a distracted driver or someone who was texting while driving, you may be eligible for a personal injury claim. The Kiley Law Group, a law firm based in Andover, Massachusetts, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-208-1695.
