Although the MBTA has had several bus and subway accidents over the past year, most of the bus accidents (an estimated 83%) could not have been prevented by the bus driver. Those statistics found that an auto driver is four times more likely to make an error that results in a traffic accident with a bus than the MBTA bus driver is.

These findings could be attributed to several factors. The MBTA has recently added an operator recertification project and a zero-tolerance policy towards driving possessing mobile phones and electronic devices.

Source: MBTA Drivers Are Safer Than Many Motorists, Quincy Cove, March 1, 2010

This new tolling system would allow drivers to pass under a scanner that would assess a toll rather than stopping or fumbling for cash. Massachusetts drivers who use FastLane transponders will still be able to pay their toll that way, but the scanners can read license plates and send a bill to the driver or debit their account.

Patrick says open-road tolling will improve customer service; however, critics worry that it could lead to adding more tolls to roads that don't currently have them.

Source: Patrick: Mass may test new tolling within months, Boston Globe, March 3, 2010

According to a Massachusetts-based car safety and advocacy organization, Toyota's issues may extend beyond sticky pedals or floor mat issues. In fact, some experts believe the problem may be electronic in nature and they say Toyota has not examined this possible cause.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 52 people have died in car crashes associated with Toyota's acceleration issues. The agency is investigating Toyota's safety issues and said it wants to hear from more drivers, if they are experiencing similar problems.

Source: Drivers complain that Toyota's fixes didn't work, Associated Press, March 3, 2010

The House had approved a plan that would have require drivers to use hands-free cell phone models with voice-activated dialing and would make text messaging a secondary offense, but that plan was rejected by the Senate. Instead, the Senate agreed to make text messaging a primary offense. Police will be allowed to stop and city Massachusetts drivers caught text messaging on the road.

Legislators are also considering a bill that would prohibit school bus drivers from using cell phones and another bill that would allow health care providers to report the names of patients they could be an endangerment to themselves and others on the road.

Source: Senate approves elderly driving bill, texting ban, Boston Herald, March 2, 2010

Several of the bill's provisions, including the text-messaging ban, have already been green-lighted by the House. While some have proposed legislation that would require drivers to use hands-free devices while talking on a mobile phone, that requirement is not part of the Senate bill.

Once the Senate reaches a decision, the bills would be merged in a conference committee. A final debate and vote will follow.

Source: Mass. Senate set to debate driver texting ban, Boston Herald, February 27, 2010

The 22-year-old driver of the Nissan was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Burlington, where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the Honda, a 35-year-old North Andover man was taken to the same hospital and treated for injuries. Following the car crash, the two left travel lanes were closed for roughly two hours during the crash investigation and vehicle removal.

The fatal car accident is still being investigated by the Massachusetts State Police, the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section.

Source: Tewksbury woman dies in two-car crash in Wilmington, GateHouse News Service, February 23, 2010

In light of the recall, Toyota has promised to pick and return vehicles scheduled for repair in New York state. They will also provide alternative transportation while owners are "unable or unwilling" to drive their cars, and arrange to transport owners to their dealerships or workplaces. These special arrangements will be provide to drivers at no cost.

At least four other states, including Massachusetts, have contacted Toyota to request similar arrangements.

Sources: Toyota recall pact with NY sought by other states, Reuters, February 24, 2010

New details in crash that prompted Toyota recall, LA Times, October 25, 2009

All but one of the people on the bus were transported to local hospitals. The passengers ranged in age from 66 to 87.

A Florida Highway Patrol crash report states that an 81-year-old woman in a Mercury Sable failed to yield right of the bus and the vehicles crashed into each other. The bus apparently rolled over twice before it landed on its side. The driver of the Sable was not injured. As of last night, no charges had been filed in conjunction with the roadway accident.

Source: Names Of Dead In Fla. Bus Crash Still Unknown, TheBostonChannel.com, February 23, 2010

Two other people were ejected from the truck and seriously injured, but the driver of the truck was not injured. The SUV driver and his passengers suffered minor injuries. Police say the SUV driver was charged with speeding and may face more severe charges once the accident investigation is completed.

Early Saturday morning, another car accident occurred in Boylston, Massachusetts when a 21-year-old woman's vehicle crossed the center lane and crashed into a utility pole on Route 70. The car burst into flame and the driver died. Police are still investigating.

Source: Two killed in central Mass. crashes, Boston Globe, February 20, 2010

The general manager of the ski area said the teen was not wearing a helmet at the time of the snowboarding accident. Of course, statistics from the National Ski Area Association suggests that a helmet doesn't necessarily prevent injury in case of an accident, particularly when the skier is traveling more than 12 mph.

The injured teen was transported by ambulance to Emerson Hospital in Concord. He is expected to be OK.

Source: Mass. teen injured in snowboarding accident, NECN.com, February 16, 2010

The train accident has apparently disrupted other parts of the rail network in northern Europe. Eurostar suspended high-speed train service between London and Brussels, and there were delays in northern France close to the Belgian border.

The cause of the accident is unknown. While snow was falling at the time of the train collision, officials say there was not an unusual amount of snow. The crash is believed to be one of the deadliest train accidents in Europe since the 2006 crash in Montenegro killed 41 people.

Source: 18 killed in Belgian train crash, official says, CNN World, February 15, 2010

The school bus was carrying about 12 students at the time of the accident, and fortunately neither the bus driver nor any of the passengers were injured. The driver of the car was taken to Falmouth Hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Here in Massachusetts, it's a no-fault state and motorists who get into a car crash are covered by their own Personal Injury Protection insurance, but sometimes those medical costs can exceed policy limits.

Source: One Injured in Falmouth School Bus Crash, ABC6.com, February 8, 2010