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THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 Page 11 Baker-Polito Administration brings awareness to new hands-free law taking effect Sunday Fines will range between $100–$500 per violation B OSTON – Recently the Baker-Polito Administration issued a reminder to motorists that the hands-free law goes into effect this Sunday, February 23. Signed by Governor Charlie Baker in November, the new law is intended to reduce the number of people injured or killed because of distracted driving, and levies penalties that will be enforced by local and state police. “Our administration is committed to keeping Massachusetts roads safe, and we urge all drivers to pay attention when they are behind the wheel,” said Governor Baker. “This law holds drivers accountable for keeping their focus on the road while being aware of the vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists around them and we are pleased that it will take effect this week.” The new law, An Act requiring the hands-free use of mobile telephones while driving, stipulates that operators of motor vehicles cannot use an electronic device unless the device is being used in hands-free mode. Operators cannot read or view text, images or videos, unless what is being viewed is helping with navigation, and the device is mounted in an appropriate location. Motorists also cannot make phone calls unless they can do so without holding their phones by using technology, such as Bluetooth. The law also requires law enforcement officers to report data on violations that will be shared with the public. The use of phones and all electronic devices, including phones in hands-free mode, remains illegal for drivers under the age of 18. “The hands-free law will help increase road safety for all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists, who have the fastest growing rate of crashes caused by inattentive drivers,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If you are behind the wheel, your attention should be on the road.” “Nothing you text, watch, or search for on your device is more Navigators seeking host families, game day staff & interns L YNN – The Futures Collegiate Baseball League’s North Shore Navigators are seeking host families, part-time and game day staff members and interns for the 2020 season. The Navigators’ 2020 roster will have more players from around the country than ever before, so the team is looking to add to their dedicated group of host families. Host family requirements are simple: a bed, laundry facilities (for personal items; the team washes uniforms); a parking spot (some players don’t have a car, some do); and some help with meals. The players are provided with food before and after games, so don’t let feeding them be a deal-breaker because the bed is needed most! Each host family will receive a stipend based on the number of players it hosts, a season ticket for each family member and a special Navs gift package. The Navigators are also hiring for numerous part-time staff, day-of-game staff and internship positions: Part-Time/Day-of-Game Staff - Assistant General Manager - Director of Interns - Game Day Operations - Concessions - Clubhouse Manager - Mascot Internships - Event Staff (including front gate, merchandise, promotions, special events) - Game Entertainment (music, sound effects) - Play-by-Play Broadcaster - Sideline Reporter - Social Media For more information about becoming a host family or to inquire about open staff positions and internships, contact Derek January at dj@nsnavs.com. The Navs are now preparing for the 13th season of collegiate ball at Fraser Field and their ninth in the Futures League. The 2020 opener is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27. Until then, stay up to date on the latest Navs news by visiting nsnavs.com and following the Navs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. important than your safety, the safety of your passengers, and everyone on the road around you,” said the Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), Thomas Turco. “Even when you’re stopped at a traffic light, you need to put your device away and focus on the road.” Punishment for violating the hands-free law includes a $100 fine for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense and a $500 fine for a third or subsequent offense. Operators who commit a second or subsequent offense are required to complete an educational program focused on distracted driving prevention. A third or subsequent offense will count as a “surchargeable” incident. “Today is an important day for everyone who uses roads across the Commonwealth,” said Transportation Secretary/CEO Stephanie Pollack. “MassDOT thanks the Baker-Polito Administration, transportation experts, advocacy groups and victims’ families who pushed for this law because they know how dangerous distracted drivers are to everyone around them. We look forward to continue working with our partners to make Massachusetts roadways safe.” “Every driver has a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely,” said Acting Registrar of Motor Vehicles Jamey Tesler. “Elevating distracted driving to a fineable offense with potential insurance surcharges sends a clear message to motorists that it is dangerous and will not be tolerated.” “The Massachusetts State Police and local police departments will roll extra patrols to kick off enforcement of the Hands-Free law,” said the Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, Colonel Christopher Mason. “But our hope is that all drivers will comply with this important law and keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. There is nothing on your screen that is worth your life or the life of another.” Traffic safety experts believe driver inattention is a contributing factor in the following trends: • Between 2012 and 2017, nearly 20,000 people died in U.S. crashes involving a distracted driver; 9.5% of all fatal crashes in this time frame involved a distracted driver (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA]). • Total Massachusetts traffic fatalities increased 12.8% (345 to 389) from 2015 to 2016, more than double the national rate of increase of 5.6% (NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System [FARS]). • Between 2014 and 2018, 233 people in Massachusetts died in crashes involving a distracted driver. • In Massachusetts, annual crashes involving a distracted driver have risen 35.7% from 28 in 2014 to 38 in 2018. • Distracted crashes in which a driver was “manually operating an electronic device” rose 70% from 2014 to 2016. • Distracted driving crashes resulting in injury have increased by nearly 170% from 2014 to 2016. • In Massachusetts 78 pedestrians were killed in 2018; this represents an increase of 8.3% from 2017 (FARS). • In 2018, 17% of children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians (NHTSA). Under the new law, vehicles without built-in GPS, Apple Car Play, or Android Audio must be equipped with a phone mount on the dash or windshield for GPS navigation. Acceptable options to equip your vehicle for hands-free phone use are listed below: For vehicles with Bluetooth, a phone mount is all that is needed for GPS navigation. All phone communication can be routed through the Bluetooth connection. For vehicles with an Aux port but no Bluetooth, operators can purchase a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into their vehicle’s cigarette lighter and includes a cable for connecting to the Aux port for phone audio. Some include microphones and a dashmountable button to answer calls, while some others rely on the phone’s microphone. For vehicles without Bluetooth or an Aux port, the following options are acceptable: • Standalone hands-free device with built-in Bluetooth, speaker and microphone • Bluetooth adapter with FM transmitter to use car speakers for audio • Single-ear earpiece that can connect to phone via Bluetooth • Replacement head unit that includes either Apple CarPlay, Android Audio or Bluetooth (must be professionally installed) To fully comply with the law while using any of these options, the use of a voice assistant on the phone or through the car’s infotainment system is required. Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant must be enabled and used to issue commands to place calls and listen to and respond to text messages. For motorists not using handsfree technology, EOPSS’s Office of Grants and Research offers these additional tips: • Before driving, please turn your phone off and put it out of reach. • Set your mobile phone to “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode. • Let your friends and family know that you’ll be driving and can’t take their calls or texts. • If you have to make a call or send a text, pull over. • Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists – especially at night. • Remember to buckle up! Seatbelts are your best defense against a distracted driver. The hands-free legislation is one proposal included in a comprehensive road safety package filed earlier this year by the Baker-Polito Administration. That proposal includes measures to improve work zone safety, require the use of ignition interlock devices for first time offenders, and the creation of a framework to regulate new technology, such as electronic scooters and other low-speed mobility devices. For additional information, please visit https://www.mass. gov/news/baker-polito-administration-files-legislation-to-improve-road-safety. ~LETTER TO THE EDITOR ~ St. Vincent de Paul says thank you to Stop & Shop Dear Editor: We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Stop & Shop on Squire Road and their customers for their generosity, which allows our local chapter of St. Vincent de Paul to assist those in our community that are in need of our help. If it were not for their donations, we would not be able to serve those who come to us, at the same the level which we now provide. Sincerely, St. Vincent de Paul Society St. Mary of the Assumption Parish

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