Medford Pols Support Safe Driving Law

On July 2, Gov. Patrick signed a long-awaited bill to promote safe driving by:

– Banning texting while driving, with an exemption for emergencies

– Requiring drivers over 75 to renew their licenses in person

– Requiring drivers with 3 surchargeable incidents in 24 months to take a Registry examination

– Prohibit drivers under 18 from using cell phones, whether hand-held or hands-free

– Prevent medical providers and public safety officials who report unsafe drivers from being sued

State Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford) said, “As Senate chair of the Committee on Elder Affairs, I advocated for the least restrictive and most effective legislation. In-person renewal for older drivers is the most effective way to reduce fatal crashes among seniors, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. I did not support road testing for older drivers because it would have been very expensive without increasing safety.”

Sen. Jehlen had co-sponsored a bill providing immunity for medical providers and public safety officials who report unsafe drivers, based on research showing that this provision sharply reduces fatal crashes as well.

Representative Sean Garballey (D-Arlington, Medford) said, “As we become more tethered to technology, it’s more important to make sure we have attentive, undistracted drivers behind the wheel. This bill will ensure drivers think twice about the consequences of distracted driving before they get out on the road, and help families make sure elder drivers can continue to enjoy the freedom that driving provides in a safe way.”

“This bill addresses several areas of concern regarding the issue of motor vehicle safety including cell phone usage,” said Representative Paul Donato (D-Medford, Malden). “I think these measures will improve public safety.”

Representative Carl Sciortino (D-Medford, Somerville) said, “This bill marks an important step in making roads safer in Massachusetts, something I have striven for in my role as Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee. We have a responsibility in the legislature to see that our laws keep up with the pace of technology and its unintended consequences. The ban on texting while driving is a good start at discouraging distracted driving, especially for young drivers, and will help to keep motorists, passengers, and pedestrians safe.”

– Information from Sen. Jehlen