Daily Talker: No Phones In Traffic Or Stopped At A Light

Do you pull out your phone when you're sitting in traffic or at a light? Be honest. We've all seen drivers texting or staring at their phones behind the wheel. Many of us may be guilty of that too. Governor Charlie Baker has declared April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. State and local police have launched a new crackdown. This time they're focusing on those who think it's safe or legal to use their phones while they're stopped.

Massachusetts law prohibits adult drivers from writing, sending or reading electronic messages, interacting with apps or browsing the Internet while driving, stopped at a light or in traffic. Teen drivers under 18 are prohibited entirely from using mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving. Fines can go as high as $500 and teen drivers could lose their license for up to a year.

Massachusetts Highway Safety Director Jeff Larason says, "Distracted driving is fast becoming one of the leading causes of injury and death on the state's roads… Distracted drivers put their passengers, other motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists in danger: the destruction they cause is preventable; these are crashes, not accidents."

Are you guilty of using your phone while driving, stopped in traffic or stopped at a light? Will this crackdown prevent you from using your phone behind the wheel? What if anything will deter drivers?

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