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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, February 21, 2020 Page 17 Baker-Polito Administration brings awareness to new hands-free law taking effect Sunday Fines will range between $100–$500 per violation BOSTON – 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 BEAR | FROM PAGE 15 health. It was, indeed, a very sad day for all who just assumed he would live much longer. Major was captured in Siberia in 1966 and moved to the Worcester Science Center (now EcoTarium) in 1971 before being transferred in 1975 to Stone Zoo. He soon became the star attraction – weighing about 900 pounds and standing over 8 feet tall – and lived to be the oldest known polar bear in captivity. Zoo supporters might recall the many birthday celebrations held each January in his honor. Often very cold temperatures and snowy conditions did not 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 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 deter his legion of stanch admirers from bestowing gifts and participating in the wide variety of activities around his exhibit area. They crafted and displayed handmade cards, created ice sculptures, interacted with costumed cartoon characters, enjoyed face painting, celebrity appearances, radio station giveaways and much more. However, the highlight of the annual “bash” – in addition to the gigantic birthday cake for the guests – was always the excitement of watching the “birthday boy” dive into his icy pool to fetch his gift from his dedicated keepers. It was a hearty fish-sicle! Crowds of well-wishers enthusiastically belted out “Happy Birthday” as the grand finale 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 to a fun-filled family event coordinated by Friends of Stone Zoo volunteers, staff, area businesses and zoo fans of all ages. Major’s presence at the zoo is still greatly missed every day. We all agree that the memory of Major as well as the history of Stone Zoo deserve to be kept alive. Upon his death, the National Coalition for Educational and Cultural Programs, Inc. (NCECP), a nonprofit educational organization, partnered with (then) Stoneham Savings Bank to establish the “Major, the Polar Bear” Scholarship. The award ensures that his impact is not forgotten while encouraging higher education in the areas of nature, science or conservation with a community ser70% 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 Carvice requirement. NCECP has a long-standing record of accomplishment since 1991 in the areas of education, environment, community service and involvement with Stone Zoo. The first award was made in June of 2001 and has continued each year thanks to the support of the Salem Five Bank Foundation and the generosity of many individuals. As a result, the award has been increased to $1,000 annually to a deserving high school graduate. Help is always still both needed and greatly appreciated to sustain this scholarship for years to come. Checks in any amount should be made payable to “Major” Scholarship and mailed to NCECP, PO Box 80255, StonePlay, 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 hands-free 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. ham, MA 02180. Every donation is acknowledged personally with a card bearing an image of Major (suitable for framing). NCECP still has a limited supply of “vintage” boxed note cards available for any donation of $25 or more. There are 10 blank cards (with envelopes) with two each of five different images of Major printed with soybeanbased ink on recycled paper. Graduating seniors from any town in Massachusetts are encouraged to apply for this scholarship via www.ncecp.org or emailing info@ncecp.org for details. A “Future Educator Scholarship” application is also available via the same website. The deadline for both applications is May 26.

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