Contrary to many people’s perceptions or alleged knowledge, it is not illegal to drive a vehicle while barefoot in Massachusetts or in any other state. After a day at the beach or swimming, you might find it inconvenient or a nuisance to put your shoes back on but be aware that safety experts caution against driving any vehicle without appropriate footwear.
Read MoreAnyone who has commuted regularly over the years might have assumed that with traffic substantially reduced over the past year or so as more people either quit, lost their jobs or were able to work remotely due to the pandemic that traffic accidents and fatalities would also go down. However, in Massachusetts and across the nation, fatalities have increased significantly with over 39,000 reported fatal car accidents in 2020. This is the most since 2007 and a 7.2% increase over 2019 despite a 13% drop in miles traveled. With the carnage piling up, road safety advocates here and elsewhere are pleading with lawmakers to implement measure to assure a shaky public that the state has their best interests in mind.
Read MoreIf you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, we hope and expect that safety equipment such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, seatbelts, and metal integrity among other factors built into our vehicles will save us from serious injury or death. However, vehicle seat safety has lagged behind most if not all safety innovations implemented since the 1960s. In response, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, and Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut are spearheading legislation to improve vehicle seat safety standards.
Read MoreIt is no secret to people who regularly commute to work or who have continued to do so despite the pandemic that has resulted in so many retail and other businesses being shut down, including here in Massachusetts, that traffic volume on our highways has been significantly reduced. A substantial number of employers have allowed and now encourage its employees to work remotely. So, given the decrease in traffic volume over the past year, have insurers given its policy holders a break in their premiums and, if so, will they continue to do so?
Read MoreThe new Massachusetts distracted driving law goes into effect on February 23, 2020. Until April 1, 2020, traffic officers will only issue warnings to motorists who are observed to be talking or otherwise using a cellphone that is not hands-free to get them accustomed to the new law.
Read MoreA particularly embarrassing incident occurred this summer when the fire chief for the city of Norwell, Massachusetts, was cited for distracted driving after apparently causing an accident on Washington Street in Hanover. Fire Chief Reardon of Norwell was in his city owned vehicle around 9:00 a.m. when he admittedly received a text. While looking at the message, he failed to notice that traffic had stopped in front of him. His Chevrolet Tahoe rear-ended an Isuzu box truck with two occupants, which in turn rear-ended a Toyota Camry. All who were involved suffered injuries and were treated at South Shore Hospital. The extent of their injuries was not reported.
Read MoreTeen drivers are new drivers. Driving is a skill that needs to be practiced like any other. However, even though experience is needed so that any novice driver can learn how to navigate under various traffic conditions, most teen accidents occur due to unnecessary risk taking or poor judgement.
Read MoreTexting while driving has caused too many collisions. Since 2010, Massachusetts has outlawed texting while driving. This law, however, did not ban using your cellphone for making calls or scrolling through your email unless you are a driver under the age of 21. In the past few years, lawmakers have introduced legislation banning any hand-held use of cellphones for all drivers but the measures either stalled or died quietly in the House. Governor Baker did not endorse a full ban either, feeling it was unfair to drivers in older vehicles that lacked the technology that permitted hands-free use.
Read MoreIn previous blogs on my website, we have discussed the mind-boggling fact that Massachusetts drivers rank among the worst users of seat belts! As of 2017, we moved to 45th in the nation from a low of 48th, but our usage dropped. Just last year, our drivers were restrained an average of 78.2% of the time while driving. Current statistics have our drivers buckling up at only 74 %. Our sister state, New Hampshire, is dead last at just over 70%.
Read MorePeriodically, we get reports of Uber drivers assaulting passengers. A number of cases have been filed across the nation alleging that passengers or riders were sexually assaulted by their Uber driver. This begs the question of what kind of background checks Uber is conducting of its drivers so as to protect the public?
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