Governor Charlie Baker has made a public announcement that in the Spring of 2020, there will be a new law implemented. Currently Massachusetts has a no texting while driving law but still permits holding your phone to talk. It is a secondary offense to be caught texting when driving, meaning you need to have committed another offense to get a ticket. When the legislation is launched, texting and driving will become a primary offense, which means you can get a ticket for just that. This new law is designed to keep the hands of drivers off their electronics, and instead on their steering wheel. “When a driver on an electronic device hits something or someone, that’s not an accident,” Governor Baker states during a signing ceremony in November 2019, “It’s a crash that was avoidable”. Governor Baker is trying to make the point that all of these fatal car accidents that have happened, was simply because of the driver’s lack of self-awareness. The only devices that may be used in these cars, are “hand-free” modes - such as Bluetooth. Although it is very restrictive, under this law, drivers will only be able to use their phones when stationary. This means that drivers can look down at their phones when parked, or at a red light. Fines start at $100 the first time, a second pullover results in a $250 penalty, and $500 dollars is billed for any offenses that follow. However, the legislation doesn’t take full effect until February 23 of 2020, and from there, police officers will only issue warnings for violation until March 31. Fines start being dealt on April 1. Studies show that the amount of people that get pulled over varies based on their race, age, and gender. There is controversy over this because it is possible that this difference in statistics ties in with racism, sexism, and ageism. This law could forever change the safety of drivers and pedestrians in Massachusetts and hopefully, all over America.
Discussion Questions:
1) Do you agree with Governor Baker’s initiative of installing this ban? Why or why not?
2) Do your parents look at their phones when driving? If so, do you ever tell them to put their phones down?
3) Should this legislation be implemented in other states? Why or why not?
4) How will drivers who are used to texting when driving, react to this law? Why?
1. I agree with Governor Baker's ban, but it seems unrealistic that people will change their behavior based on this law. Governor Baker stated that "substantially reduce distracted driving and hold operators accountable when they are looking at an electronic device instead of looking at the road ahead", but what the Governor has not said is how addicted people can be to their phones. Many people are so accustomed to texting and driving, so it is unlikely they will alter their ways, regardless of the law.
ReplyDelete2. When driving, my mom occasionally looks at her phone, but I tell her to put it away. My mom is normally grateful that I tell her to put her phone away because we both know texting and driving are very dangerous. The only time she looks at her phone is when she receives a call and it can be very tempting to answer, but I remind her that checking her phone is jeopardizing our safety.
3. Massachusetts was the last state in the US to implement this law. This could have been due to protests in other states, or an unsatisfaction of the ban by other state's citizens.
4. Many people who text while driving do not recognize it themselves, so when hearing about the law they were probably in favor of it. Texting while driving is primarily a subconscious action, so people might not be able to identify when they have used their phone while driving. People's lack of self-awareness would probably make them in favor of the law until it starts to affect them.
1. I do agree with Governor Baker’s initiative on installing this ban but I do agree with Natalie when she said that people may not listen. Another issue might be that there’s a few months till the spring of 2020. Although people will benefit from this ban, we have to take into account that it will not be installed for a while. Meaning, there will still be “accidents” till then.
ReplyDelete2. My mother does use her phone occasionally while driving, usually for direction purposes. Since we don’t have bluetooth in our car, I usually offer to read the directions off of her phone so that we get to our destination safely. My dad on the other hand has a car that does have bluetooth so he uses it frequently on his two hour drives to work.
3. I’m pretty sure that Massachusetts is either the last or one of the last to be installing this texting ban. I do think that it should be set for all the states; mainly for the safety of pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists.
4. I don’t think that after this ban is installed, everyone will abide to it. I do think that people will begin to take into account that they are putting others and their lives at risk. Like Natalie said, most people probably don’t think about the fact that they are using their phones and that they could in fact cause a crash.
1) Along with Natalie and Anja, I agree with Governor Baker’s ban. Many accidents can be avoided once people have stopped holding their phones while driving, and drivers will have until March 31st to get used to the new rule. Also, people are still allowed to use their phones if their car is stopped, as well as using navigation tools if their phone is not handheld. However, to disagree with Natalie and Anja, I think many drivers will start following this ban if there is the threat of hundreds of dollars as a repercussion.
ReplyDelete2) My parents usually never look at their phones while driving because they are always attached to a holder on the dashboard for navigation. If they need to check a text or answer a call, they will have whoever is in the passenger seat do it for them.
3) I think the ban should definitely be implemented in other states, though I think most already have it. There are many pros to the ban and few to no cons, which proves that it is a good idea not just for Massachusetts, but other states as well.
4) Drivers who are used to texting while driving will probably not react well to this law, but over time, I think they will be forced to get used to it. They will have warnings if they are caught with their phone from February 23rd to March 31st, and then after that, a fine of $100. If drivers are still using their phones even after their first offence, then they will soon learn not to with more fines.
1. Along with Maddie I agree with this ban because many accident could be avoided if the drivers would put their phone down. This is a good ban because it is protecting pedestrians and it is also giving the drivers a chance to get used to this new law implemented. This law does not completely ban the use of a phone since it can be used as a GPS or it can be used when the vehicle is not moving which is reasonable. This gives the driver the ability to make a phone call and put their phone on speaker at least.
ReplyDelete2. My mom almost never uses her phone while driving because if she needs to make a phone call she just uses bluetooth. When she receives a text she asks me to read it and respond to the person if it's absolutely necessary. My dad on the other hand sometimes uses his phone while driving because his car does not have bluetooth. He never uses it to text or for any other reason though, and when he gets a call he always sets his phone on speaker so he doesn't have to hold his phone. I do ask my mom to stop using her phone when she does because that is putting us in danger and same goes for my dad but since his car doesn't have bluetooth it's harder to control that.
3.I think that this is a very important ban and it should be implemented in other states. This ban is used to protect pedestrians and even the drivers, and I believe there are no cons for this ban.
4. I believe that most drivers will react to this law by following it because they know that this ban is necessary for everyones safety but especially because of the fines that are said to be given. On the other hand I believe that it is possible that drivers will not follow the law because there are laws that are already set like no texting while driving and people still do it. It is also illegal to drive while under the influence and thousands if not more people do this without caring about the fines or the consequences.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Governor Charlie Baker. I agree because in the article he says “It’s a crash that was avoidable,” which is very true because humans don't have to be on there phones 24/7. In addition, the use of electronics should not put other humans in danger. So this is why I completely agree with the governor.
When ever I see my parents with there phones driving I get annoyed because it can be scary not having someone 100% focused on the road. But most of the time I dont even notice it. Although in the future I will hopefully notice it more because of this new law that has been placed.
Yes it I do think this ban should be implemented in other states. This ban could save many pedestrian, bikers and other divers lifes. This is why it is important that this ban is implemented everywhere.
I think the drivers might get a little mad because it would be a change that they would have to get used to but, overall I feel like the drivers will understand the reason of this ban. Therefor they will hopefully understand the good and protection that this ban provides.
1. I agree with Governor Baker's decision of installing this ban. Due to the fact of how many people have been killed or severly injured during car accidents, it is deffinitly time to try and ensure the safety of others. The ban makes sense and is reasonable, since you can still use your GPS and use bluetooth when on a phone call. However, I also think that people who are used to calling while driving will most likely just be more cautious when they see a police officer around, rather then stop the action completly.
ReplyDelete2. My dad texts and drives a lot. Often times, when we are at a stop light, I'll have to tell him that the light switched, or he won't know to go. Although I've told my dad that it would be a good idea to stop texting while driving, he agrees, and then does it five minutes later. This is why I think if you have a lot to do or are used to living one way, a ban won't make that big of a difference.
3. Most other states have had this ban before Massachusetts. I think it's a good ban to have because although it won't create much change, it's still better then nothing. Looking at your phone while driving can be very dangerous, and although everyone thinks that they can use their phones because they're different and they're good drivers, things happen that you can't control, so it's important to try and stay focused when driving, I think.
4. I don't think this law will have much of an impact on people that are used to using their phones while in the car, but it could help a little bit. I also think that people who haven't gotten a ticket yet are more likely to be on their phones, but people that have know that it's possible again, and would be charged more then double.
1. I agree with Charlie Baker's decision because there is no text or social media that would be worth looking away from the road. Unfortunately because of how prominent electronics and social media is in this era I doubt that the problem of being distracted by a phone will be solved by a law. Hopefully texting while driving being a primary offense will discourage people from driving while texting.
ReplyDelete2. My parents have almost never gotten distracted by their phone when the car is moving, however, if the car is stopped at a red light they will occasionally check their texts and emails. If they happen to be on their phone in the car, I tell them to stop or I ask if I can type or read for them.
3. I think that this law should be implemented in all states for the same reasons as question one. This law is only trying to prevent distracted driving, which puts the driver and other people on the road at risk. If this law were to be passed by the Government instead of just state it would further deter people from looking down at their phones.
4. If this law is implemented then it would put them in a difficult situation because whoever speaks out would be confessing to doing something that is looked upon in today's society, but on the other hand, I think that people will still drive while texting just more discreetly.
1) I agree with Natalie that although the ban seems beneficial it is not likely that the public will always abide by the new law. Currently, Massachusetts residents are used are not used to this rule, and will take time getting used to it. Also, people will most likely be less concerned about the consequences because it results in a fine, rather than more severe charges
ReplyDelete2) Both of my parents tend to use their phones for directions as well as calls while they drive. However, both rarely text and drive unless they are stopped. If we are stopped at a light and it turns green before they realize, from time to time I have to get their attention and tell them to put their phone down.
3) As Natalie said, Massachusetts was the last state implement a hands free law. I agree with her that this was likely the result of dissatisfaction from other states, or due to accidents occurring from the lack of a hands free law.
4) I presume that there will not be too much backlash from those who tend to text and drive because, as Natalie said, most do not realize they do it or label themselves as a "text and driver." People will most likely be more cautious about what they do while they drive, knowing there will be more severe consequences.
1, I agree with governor Charlie Baker's ban. The safety of yourself and those around you should always be above anything. Although making roads more safe for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians are important, but I am not sure that a ban is the best approach. A ban doesn't necessarily make people get off their phones like Henry mentioned. Phones are way too prominent in our lives that people will probably just find a way around the fine or ban if they even know that it exists.
ReplyDelete2, My dad doesn't look at his phone while he is driving. But my mom is usually looking at her phone when she is driving. Although I usually don't care if my mom looks at her phone when she is driving, my sister goes insane about it and takes her phone so my mom can't look at it.
3, I believe that all the states should have this law implemented as it ever so slightly improves the safety of the roads in America.
4, People who are used to texting while driving will most likely react by finding a way around this problem. This will be most likely through buying something, putting it on the dashboard and leaning your phone against it. The main reason people use their phones or text while driving is to 1, entertain themselves. 2, or do something that they otherwise wouldn't have time to do while at home. So I think that people will still look at their phones while driving even with this law implemented.
1) I do not agree with the Governors ban. I think that someones lack of funds will result in a fine. If someone drives an old car because they cannot afford a new one and they have to get on a business call and if they don't get on it they will be fired do they pick it up and get fined? Or let it go and get fired?
ReplyDelete2) I think that everything needs to be in moderation. Parents shouldn't use their phones and drive but if they have a job i am not the one telling them to put their phone away because their jobs and businesses are important to them.
3) I think that it should not be implemented in other states because it is stating that if you are poor you should get fined. This law is hurting the poor.
4) They will not like it because they have to change some part of their lives which they enjoyed and nobody likes to do.
1. Like Natalie, I agree with the spirit of the law, but there are some significant issues about both its effectiveness and disproportionate impact against people of color. Charlie Baker said that the new law will “substantially reduce distracted driving and hold operators accountable” but he has no data to back that claim up, which casts doubts on itss effectiveness. Assuming that the bill is effective at reducing distracted driving in the near future, advances in self-driving technology will either make human drivers completely useless or make human drivers a last resort safety measure. In both those situations, use of a cell phone is extremely unlikely to hinder the safety of drivers and pedestrians. This law also provides another basis for police officers to profile drivers, and fine women, the elderly, and minorities at a higher rate than white males. The idea behind the law is sensible but there is no guarantee that it would reduce traffic deaths, it will be obsolete in a few years due to self-driving cars, and it will lead to greater inequality in Massachusetts.
ReplyDelete2. My parents sometimes look at their phones when they drive, but they also love to scold other drivers for not accelerating fast enough on a green light because they were looking at their phones. I try to tell them to not look at their phones, but they usually just brush it off.
3. Like I said in question 1, this law should not be adopted in Massachusetts, and it should not be adopted anywhere else in the United States.
4.Drivers who normally use their phones while driving are going to be annoyed, but not angry. While it might take a period of time for drivers to adapt to the new law, the law does not come into full effect until April, so there is time for people to change. People will be annoyed by the unnecessary regulation, but there will not be an outpouring of anger.
1) I agree with goverener Bakers ban on hands free driving. I agree with Natalie that, not everyone will follow the ban but it is a good first step. According to a study from Virginia Tech, hand held cell phone use while driving increases your crash risk by 2 to 3.5 times what it would be with both hands on the wheel. According to the same study distracted driving causes 208 deaths and 14,656 injuries a year. Even if just five percent of people followed this law 10.4 lives would be saved and 732.8 injuries prevented. A common oposition to the law is that it targets those of lower income, becuase they can’t afford bluetooth cars. While this may stay a problem for a year or so, bluetooth is already a necesity for new cars and will not be a feature of higher end cars, but rather all cars in the future.
ReplyDelete2) My parents almost never look at theirs phones when driving. On the rare ocation that they do, I remind them “Better Unread Than Dead!”. This has turned into a family joke while at the same time, keeping us safe!
3) This law should definietly be implemented in other states. This would be for all of the same reasons it is a good decision for Massachusetts.’
4) Drivers who are used to texted and driving will likely not react. I have never heard anyone self identify as a texting driver. For this reason I can’t see anyone going to Goverener Baker and announcing “I love to text and drive let me do it! It is my right to endanger others and you can’t stop me!”.
1) I agree with the idea of the ban but there are some issues in it. It is obvious that the authority wouldn’t be able to see everyone who texts and drives so that gives the opportunity for police to discriminate and give fine to certain people and not others (as Yonathan mentioned).
ReplyDelete2) My parents have Bluetooth for calling and usually have a passenger text for them. Some times when my mom wants to play music on her phone she continuously looks at it to change the song. I don’t really care if my parent look at the phone a little, but usually my brother that says something about it.
3) Most states already have this law but I think its best for either the whole country to abide by the law or just have no ban at all. Driving through a different state with different texting and driving rules would be confusing to its best for the ban to take action throughout all the states.
4) I don’t think banning texting and driving would be too much of a change for most people, but I definitely believe that it would take time to get use to. Personally, if I could drive I’d feel like the plan was a good idea to prevent an avoidable accident, but as Natalie said, you wouldn’t really mind the ban until it starts to affect you.