- Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Boston — Cell phones, dashboard navigation systems, and drive-through coffee shops are terrific conveniences when traveling near and far. However, as drivers, we are responsible for not allowing distractions such as texting, getting directions, eating, or enjoying a year-round iced coffee to cause a crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, distracted driving killed 3,308 people. Anytime your eyes are off the road, you are allowing time to make a possibly deadly error. By preventing distractions, alert drivers can reduce crashes.
Be a good role model to your passengers, especially your teens, who will be taking the wheel themselves someday.
Need some reminders? Here are some suggestions to make sure your attention is on the road.
- Need to send a text? Pull over and park your car in a safe location, like a highway rest stop, a shopping plaza, or other convenient parking lot.
- Designate a passenger to navigate to your destination and provide the driver directions and updates to the navigation system.
- Leave your device in an inaccessible place if you cannot avoid scrolling. Since 2020, Massachusetts Hands-Free law prohibits drivers from using any electronic device unless in hands-free mode. Holding a device is prohibited. A $100 fine is the penalty for the first offense, leading to a $500 fine and insurance surcharge for third and subsequent offenses.
- For drivers under 18, no use is allowed, not even in hands-free mode.
During a portion of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, from April 7 through 14, you may see increased law enforcement on the roadways in support of reducing distracted driving. The “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign reminds drivers of the deadly dangers and the legal consequences – including fines – of texting behind the wheel.
Remind your friends and family: If you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s the only thing you should do. There should be no distractions. If your driver is texting or otherwise distracted, tell them to stop and focus on the road. Avoiding distracted driving is one of the ways a driver controls the safety of themselves and their passengers. Take charge of your attention and reduce crashes.
The MAPFRE Insurance-sponsored MassDOT Highway Assistance Program is on patrol to help all motorists, including motorcyclists, on the highways. Patrol operators monitor some of the state’s busiest highways around Metro Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cape Cod (seasonal). The Highway Assistance Patrol covers 13 major state roadways and interstates, the Emergency Service Patrol covers the Mass Pike (I-90) from New York to Boston and the Incident Response Operators cover the Metropolitan Highway System and tunnels. The Highway Assistance Patrol is in service Monday–Friday between 6 a.m.–10 a.m. and 3 p.m.–7 p.m. During holidays, there are extended routes in heavy-traffic areas. On I-90, and in Boston’s tunnel system, assistance is provided 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
Written by,
Your friends at MAPFRE Insurance
