Secretary LaHood Applauds Massachusetts for Tough Anti-Texting Ban
(Updated: Thursday 30th September 2010 16:33)
No Texting - It's the Law
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood praises Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick for signing a tough new anti-distraction law taht bans texting while driving and sets strict penalties for the practice. Massachusetts is the 29th state to ban texting behind the wheel.
The new Massachusetts bill will fine adults $100 for texting as a first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for a third. Drivers younger than 18, if caught texting or using a cell phone while driving, will receive a $100 fine in addition to a 60-day license suspension. In addition, they will be required to take an "attitude" course before getting their license back. A second offense for young drivers would carry a 180-day suspension and a $250 fine. A third offense would generate a one-year suspension and a $500 fine.
According to the latest date from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in distracted driving crashes nationwide. The highest proportion of those crashes involved teen drivers, and a total of 659 teens were killed in distracted driving-related crashes.
For more information on distracted driving and the Department of Transportation's work, visit www.distraction.gov