The Boston Globe has reported that more than 6,000 texting while driving tickets were issued in 2015 alone. Since the 2010 enactment of a Massachusetts law that made texting while driving illegal, a total of more than 18,000 related tickets have been written. In Massachusetts, texting and driving comes with a substantial fine. For example, first-time adult offenders must pay a ticket of $100, but the amount can increase to $500 by the third offense. Texting while driving is not only illegal in Massachusetts, but it is also dangerous, and can lead to very serious car accidents.
Why Is Texting and Driving Dangerous?
Seekonk Police Chief Craig Mace has been stated in a WPRI article saying that “texting and driving is more dangerous than many people realize. Operating a car while trying to text is almost the equivalent of being at a 0.08 blood alcohol level.” In fact, the National Highway Safety Administration has reported that more than 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving car crashes in 2014. In Massachusetts, from 2010 to 2013, 184 people in Massachusetts died in car crashes that were caused by distracted driving. In a survey conducted by AT&T Wireless, three out of every four teenagers claim that “texting while driving” occurs all too commonly with them and their friends.
Are There Alternative Communication Techniques to Texting While Driving?
Of course there are alternatives to texting while driving, but that does not mean that they are also safe. The easiest alternative is to keep your phone in your pocket or purse, and do not look at it until you arrive at your destination. However, if the need to use your phone is critical, here are some alternatives to help lessen the chances of a Massachusetts car crash:
Auto-Responders: These specific apps for your phone respond with an automated message when you cannot use your phone, for example, while driving or in a meeting. To use this, the driver may turn the app on before driving, and if any texts are received, it’ll respond to the sender with an automated message of the driver’s choosing.- Pull Over: If you receive a text that deserves your immediate attention while you’re behind the wheel, just pull over. Make sure you do it at a portion of the road that has a shoulder or breakdown lane, or pull off into a parking lot.
- Turn Your Phone Off: Turning off the phone will not only keep the temptation away from the driver to check their phone for messages, but will also allow the driver to keep their eyes on the road, creating a safer roadway.
Contact a Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been injured a car accident as a result of texting while driving, contact one of our experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyers. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. No fees are received unless you win your case. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us toll free at 1-800-992-6878. You may also fill out our contact form online.
Source: wpri.com/2016/05/16/report-texting-and-driving-offenses-up-in-mass/
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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