Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

An 81-year-old Beverly Farms woman operating a Honda Civic collided with a 14-wheel trash truck around noon yesterday afternoon. The operator of the Honda crossed the center line on Hart Street in Beverly and was struck by the truck as a result.

The local authorities have stated the victim of the crash lost consciousness following the accident and was taken by ambulance to Beverly hospital following the administration of CPR by firefighters at the scene of the crash.

According to the Beverly Police Department, the operator of the Honda was conscious and talking to rescue workers immediately after the crash, but lost consciousness moments after the firefighters arrived. The rescue workers utilized a portable defibrillator to try and revive the woman. Beverly Hospital reported that the 81-year-old woman passed away yesterday afternoon as a result of the injuries which she sustained in the crash.

The trash truck was being operated by a 47-year-old Rockport man when the accident occurred. The driver of the trash truck sustained a minor wrist injury in the collision. The truck belongs to a Peabody hauling and recycling company.

Continue reading "14 -wheel Trash Truck Collides with Honda Civic in Beverly, Killing the Driver" »

This past week, a four vehicle car accident occurred on Route 2 in Lexington. The accident occurred around 2:30 p.m., when a vehicle headed eastbound crossed over the median into oncoming westbound traffic.

The vehicle then collided head –on with three automobiles driving in the westbound lanes on Route 2. The accident occurred at a high rate of speed. The driver of the vehicle which crossed the median and struck the other cars was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to state police, another individual involved in the accident was in “very bad shape” and was transported to the hospital for treatment of the injuries sustained in the collision. Reportedly, all but one of the people involved in the four-car accident were transported to the hospital. The one individual that was not taken to the hospital was able to walk and was treated at the scene.

Continue reading "Several Injured and One Killed Following a Four Vehicle Car Crash in Lexington " »

Last Friday afternoon, a man driving a blue Buick sedan rear-ended a couple driving in a Toyota as they were making a left turn onto Tisdale Street in Leominster. Two of the individuals were rushed to UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester with life threatening injuries. The third individual involved in the accident was taken to HealthAliiance Hospital in Leominster for treatment.

The local fire department used the Jaws of Life to rescue the couple trapped inside of the Toyota. Unfortunately, the couple was unable to be airlifted from the scene since all of the helicopters operating out of surrounding Worcester and Boston were tied up. As a result, the injured couple was transported to UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester by ambulance.

Police stated that the driver of the blue Buick sedan will be charged with operating under the influence of liquor, operating a motor vehicle negligently, a marked lanes violation and speeding.

Continue reading "Three Injured in Leominster Car Accident " »

It's a dubious honor, but Massachusetts recently made #10 on Driverside.com's list of Top 10 Speediest States. The list compares the number of tickets to the state's population to ensure that even small states received equal consideration.

According to the list, law enforcement officials doled out over 300,000 tickets to Massachusetts drivers last year with Delaware and South Carolina close behind. The District of Columbia snagged the top spot with 434,301 tickets. Interesting, DC only has just over a half million residents, so it works out to roughly 78.5% of the population. Our guess is that some of those tickets went to commuters or tourists from neighboring states.

Since speed is a factor in many car accidents resulting in death or serious injury, we urge you to exercise caution and obey speed limits on the roads.

Source: Top 10 Speediest States, DriverSide.com, April 2, 2010

Continue reading "Massachusetts Makes List of Top 10 States for Speeding Tickets" »

Since Toyota recalled more than 8 million vehicles last October, drivers have flocked to Toyota dealers to have their cars fixed. However, at least 15 drivers who supposedly had their sticky gas pedals or floor mats fixed have complained that their vehicles sped up by themselves.

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

Continue reading "Some Toyota Drivers Say Recall Fixes Didn't Work" »

On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Senate approved legislation that will ban text messaging behind the wheel and require cognitive and physical screenings for older drivers in Massachusetts. Drivers between the ages of 75 and 80 will have to pass the tests to renew their licenses, and drivers over 80 will have to pass the tests every three years. Though the bill initially required drivers to get tested at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, legislators opted to create a form and allow doctors to perform the tests. This legislation comes in response to several fatal car crashes involving older drivers.

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

Continue reading "Massachusetts Senate Votes to Texting Behind the Wheel" »

On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Senate will formally debate a bill that would ban text-messaging while driving. That same bill would require Massachusetts drivers age 75 and older to pass cognitive and physical screenings every three years. The bill comes after several auto accidents that involved older drivers or text-messaging behind the wheel.

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

Continue reading "Massachusetts Text-Messaging Ban Goes to the Senate" »

On Wednesday, Toyota announced a deal that will help the more than 500,000 owners of recalled vehicles in New York state. The recall was prompted by a car accident last year that killed a highway patrol officer and three of his family members when the accelerator pedal got stuck and the vehicle hurtled ahead at more than 100 mph. The carmaker has since recalled more than 8.5 million cars worldwide due to issues like unintended acceleration and brake issues.

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

Continue reading "Massachusetts Seeks Recall Pact for Toyota Drivers" »

Legislators here in Massachusetts recently passed a bill that would ban drivers from texting messaging while on the road. The bill will be passed along to the Senate. But an article in the Boston Globe points out that enforcing this ban could be tricky. Since the ban would not outlaw dialing phone numbers, how could police officers really know if a driver is texting or dialing? And if you plug an iPod into your car's stereo system, could you get nabbed for messing with your music rather than texting?

The technology is no new that these questions are tough to answer.

In fact, a spokesman for the Governor Highway Safety Association admitted that they don't yet have a good way to enforce texting bans. It's much easier for officers to spot a driver talking on a cell phone than texting on a cell phone, because texting can be done covertly under the window. However, advocates for the bill are quick to point out that distracted driving is a major factor in countless car accidents, causing numerous fatalities and serious injuries.

Source: Texting bans raise questions of enforcement, Boston Globe, February 7, 2010

Continue reading "Massachusetts Considers How to Enforce Driving & Texting Ban" »

Here in Massachusetts, the debate over drivers and cell phones continues. Earlier today, the House debated a bill that would ban text messaging while driving. It would also ban junior drivers from using cell phones at all and require drivers over the age of 75 to renew their license in person every five years. Currently, they must renew their license every ten years. These new rules were prompted by several high-profile car crashes last year involving older drivers.

During the early part of the bill, members voted 93-66 to make the bill even tougher, requiring all Massachusetts drivers to use hands-free devices when they make cell phone calls. Though the House has previously voted to require hands-free devices in 2008, the law was later killed by the Senate.

Members of the House hope that the bill would reduce the risk of auto accidents in Massachusetts. Assuming the legislation passes today, it will continue to the Senate.

Source: House bill would require drivers making calls to go hands-free, Boston Globe, February 4, 2010

Continue reading "House Considering Bill That Would Restrict Cell Phone Use on the Road" »

In addition to the text messaging ban for truckers and bus drivers announced by the Transportation Department last week, Massachusetts may soon join the 19 states that have outlawed text messaging behind the wheel for all drivers. The Boston Globe reports that a key legislative committee unanimously approved a bill last Thursday and it could reach the House floor within weeks.

If the bill passes, it would prohibit operators of a motor vehicle from using a cell phone or other electronic device from writing, sending, or reading a text message while driving. Fines would start at $100 for the first offense and range up to $500 for the third offense. If a driver is found to have been text messaging when they caused a car crash, the law would treat is as reckless driving and the offender would be subject to up to two years in jail.

The House approved a text messaging while driving ban in 2008, but the bill died before it reached the governor’s desk. Governor Deval Patrick and US secretary of transportation Ray LaHood both support a ban on text messaging while driving.

Source: State inches ahead on banning texting while driving, Boston Globe, January 29, 2010

Continue reading "Massachusetts Legislative Committee Approves Texting Messaging Ban for Drivers" »

Our Massachusetts motor vehicle crash lawyers would like to remind drivers to take extra care on wet or icy roads. The Union Leader reports that advisory speeds are down to 45 for state highways from Concord, New Hampshire south to the Massachusetts border. There are apparently reports of cars off the road near the Massachusetts border.

Areas that have seen car crashes may be backed up, so please allow extra time. One of those areas is where four vehicles collided this morning at the junction of I-89 and I-93 North in Bow.

Meteorologists do not expect significant accumulations of snow today. However, much of yesterday's snow remains and parts of New England may get another inch or two of snow on Wednesday evening.

Source: Take it easy on those slick roads, New Hampshire Union Leader, January 19, 2010

Continue reading "Weather Advisory for New England Drivers " »

MIT and Ford Motor Company are beginning research on driver workload and stress. The goal of this new study is to identify ways that in-vehicle technology can reduce driver stress, thus improving safety on the road.

The six-month long project is a continuation of a partnership between Ford and MIT's AgeLab that began in 2004. They have been working on development for vehicle systems that detect that the state of drivers and can ultimately reduce those drivers' stress levels. Looking at biometrics like heart rate, eye movement, and skin conductivity, MIT researchers are working on a system that will be part of future Ford vehicles.

Ford hopes that these innovations will become part of driver's overall wellness plans.

Source: Ford and MIT Team Up To Improve Safety by Reducing Driver Stress, PRNewswire.com, December 30, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Institute of Technology Teams Up With Ford to Research Driver Stress" »

A joint investigation between Brockton police and state Department of Transportation authorities revealed serious violations among Massachusetts drivers of vans and station wagons transporting students to elementary schools and day care centers. Dozens of drivers received citations for violations including driving without a license, overloading vehicles, and bald tires.

The crackdown, dubbed Operation Clean Sweep, involved a dozen surprise checkpoints. Of the 85 transport vehicles investigated, there were 52 violations discovered. One company actually faces a criminal complaint for overloading vehicles with too many children, because not securing children in a car sweat or making sure that they wear seat belts significantly increases the rick of fatality in the event of a motor vehicle collision.

Another concern was that not all of the drivers had a 7-D license, which signifies that the driver has undergone a criminal background check to ensure that they qualified to transport Massachusetts students. The holder of a 7-D license is also required to pass inspections twice a year to ensure vehicle safety.

Source: Drivers of students cited after inspections, Boston Globe, December 21, 2009

Continue reading "Surprise Inspections Uncover Safety Violations in Brockton" »

A bill filed by Senator Robert L. Hedlund of Weymouth would make interlock safety devices mandatory for those convicted of drunk driving in Massachusetts. Currently, Melanie’s Law requires the devices for repeat drunk drivers.

The device works like an in-car breathalyzer test so that the driver must blow into a tube to analyze the driver’s blood alcohol content. The car will not start if the reading is .02 percent or higher.

Jill O’Bryan, a 25-year-old from Rockland, was injured by a repeat drunk driver in 2005 and has had more than two dozen surgeries as a result of injuries she sustained during the car accident. O’Bryan will attend an event in support of bill.

Hingham police will also demonstrate the interlock safety device and promote their 7th annual Designated Driver Program.

Source: Hingham police show anti-drunk driving unit, Boston Globe, November 19, 2009

Continue reading "Bill Would Require Massachusetts Drunk Drivers to Use Interlock Safety Device" »

Earlier this year, a report released by the Massachusetts Highway Department revealed that intersections in Boston, Brockon, Stoughton, Quincy, Braintree, and Abington are among the most dangerous in the state. The report was based on data compiled by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and covered motor vehicle accidents that occurred at intersections between 2005 and 2007.

State officials hope the information will help them plan construction projects and improve safety of Massachusetts roads. Some of the possible measures include widening certain roadways, adding turning lanes or additional traffic lights, or timing traffic signals differently.

While state officials say the report contains some inconsisencies due to communities reporting car crashes differently, the report gives them an overview of where accidents are occurring to help improve traffic safety.

Sources: Accidents waiting to happen, Boston Globe, November 15, 2009

Report: 2007 TOP CRASH LOCATIONS REPORT, Massachusetts Highway Department

Continue reading "Massachusetts Highway Department Releases List of State's Most Dangerous Intersections" »

Critics say that using cameras to fine drivers who run red lights is an attempt to raise revenue, rather than improve safety, but the Boston Globe and other media outlets report that Governor Deval Patrick is pushing to make Massachusetts the 25th state to adopt such a measure. Many mayors and police chiefs have been wanting the cameras for years.

If passed, the state law would allow cities and towns to fine drivers up to $100 if their traffic violation is caught on camera. The fine would not subject the owners of the vehicle to insurance surcharges and would require signs warning drivers that their cars and license plates are being photographed. Such signs have been shown in some studies to actually cause more rear-end car crashes, perhaps because motorists slam on the brakes when they notice the signs.

However, federal studies show that the cameras do lower the number of right-angle auto collisions in the middle of intersections, which can be even more hazardous than rear-end collisions. The Federal Highway Administration says the cameras should be used for safety purposes, not as a way to generate more revenue.

Source: Patrick pushes for cameras to catch red-light violators, Boston Globe, November 13, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Governor Supports Traffic Cameras, Despite Criticism" »

According to stats from the United States Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than half of the passenger vehicle occupants who died in Massachusetts motor vehicle accidents last year were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. That rate was nine percent higher than the national average.

In response to these sobering statistics, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) has teamed up with State Police and other local law enforcement agencies to launch a special statewide Click It or Ticket campaign. Starting on November 12, the special crackdown is designed to lower the number of fatal car accidents and increase the use of seat belts.

Throughout the month of November, Massachusetts drivers who are pulled over for traffic violations will also be subject to fines if they or their passengers fail to wear a seatbelt.

Source: Dedham Police Department launches special statewide Click It or Ticket Enforcement effort, Dedham Transcript, November 9, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Rolls Out Statewide Click It Or Ticket Crackdown" »

Several Massachusetts car accidents earlier this year have highlighted the controversial issue of whether senior citizens should be subject to extra scrutiny when renewing their driver's licenses. While AARP has sponsored a driver safety refresher course for the past thirty years, Massachusetts seniors are not enrolling in the course at the same rate as their counterparts in other New England states. Between January 1 and September 30, less than a thousand senior citizens opted to take the refresher class. According to AARP Massachusetts, enrollment in Massachusetts was 11,000 less than in Connecticut.

One explanation for this discrepancy is that insurance companies in Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island offer discounts to drivers who complete the course, while Massachusetts does not.

Taught by AARP volunteers, the four-hour refresher course covers basics like hearing, vision, and flexibility changes in older drivers, driving alongside bigger vehicles, and driving or braking in inclement weather. Participants receive a 121-page driver's manual with visual aids, instructions, and quizzes. Lawmakers on Beacon Hill are considering a bill that would require Massachusetts drivers over the age of 75 to retake road and visions tests every five years.

Source: Course puts elder drivers on road to safer driving, Boston Herald, November 8, 2009

Continue reading "Fewer Massachusetts Seniors Enrolling in AARP Driver Safety Course Than Other States" »

Drivers may soon have a new navigational system that is even more advanced than GPS. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has teamed up with Volkswagen to create AIDA (Affective Intelligent Driving Agent), a robot device will be mounted on the dashboard and will synthesize information to help motorists avoid running out of gas, navigate around traffic jams, and plan their travel routes.

AIDA will not control the car, but it will be able to suggest alternate routes when there is a traffic jam or remind you to fill up on gas when your tank is running glow. It will also reportedly help "achieve more energy efficient and safer behavior." AIDA analyses the driver's patterns and keeps track of favorite routes and destinations like home or work.

A release date for AIDA has yet to be announced. At least one other car company is working on developing a similar product.

Volkswagen, MIT Develop In-Car Robot, US News & World Reports, November 2, 2009

AIDA: It's more than an opera, Los Angeles Times, October 29, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Volkswagen Developing In-Car Robot" »

Last week, police and registry inspectors caught at least 76 Massachusetts drivers for allegedly failing to stop for school buses picking up or dropping off student passengers. The annual event has been called "Operation Yellow Blitz" and is aimed at reminding those drivers that they must stop when a bus's flashing red light goes on.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles fields thousands of complaints from police, school bus drivers, and parents about drivers who fail to stop for a school bus, creating a safety issue on the road. First-time offenders face a $250 citation. Those who receive a second violation within two years face a $1,000 fine and a six-month driver's license suspension.

Last year, 60 Massachusetts communities set up surveillance teams for Operation Yellow Blitz, resulting in citations for 69 drivers.

Registry sting nabs alleged stop-light violators, Boston Herald, October 21, 2009

Continue reading ""Operation Yellow Blitz" Nabs 76 Massachusetts Drivers " »

Earlier this week, Chelmsford's police chief told the Board of Selectmen that a traffic safety bill being considered on Beacon Hill is gaining support. Chelmsford selectmen and law enforcement officials say they support the bill, which would allow the Massachusetts town to install cameras at intersections in the hopes of catching drivers who run red lights.

The bill was filed in Massachusetts' house and senate and would allow for cameras to take a digital photo of the rear end of a vehicle after it drives through a red light. Drivers would receive a time-stamped copy of the picture and a traffic ticket in the mail. Chelmsford's police chief says the addition to cameras would improve the flow of traffic and increase safety on the road.

Some worry that the cameras could pose an invasion of privacy. However, violators of the red light law will not receive any merit rating surcharges nor will the ticket count against their driving record.

Chelmsford chief backs redlight camera bill, GateHouse News Service, October 27, 2009

Continue reading "Chelmsford Officials Supporting Red Light Camera Bill " »

Last December, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) stopped sending paper reminders about driver's license renewals to save money. Now Massachusetts drivers can sign up for a free service that allows the RMV to notify them by email or phone or text message when their driver's license is about to expire.

A statement from Registrar Rachel Kaprielian said "we saved nearly $800,000 a year by eliminating paper courtesy mailings to our customers." Massachusetts-based Senza Inc. is handing the new notification service, is free to the RMV, because businesses will buy advertising that accompanies the reminder messages.

In order to receive the notification, users must sign up at least 45 days before their driver's license or ID expires. They can sign up online at www.mass.gov/rmv and will receive an electronic message at least 30 days before the expiration date telling them whether they should renew online or in person and whether their license can't be renewed at all due to outstanding excise taxes or parking tickets.

You’ve got e-mail -- and you’d better renew your license, Boston Globe, October 7, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts RMV Now Offering Driver's License Renewal Reminders Via Email" »

This week, members of Massachusetts' Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony about two bills that relate to traffic safety. The first, dubbed Ryan's Bill after a 16-year-old who died in a motorcycle accident, would require driver's education for motorcyclists between the ages of 16 and 18. Currently, Massachusetts law does not require Class M permit applicants to pass a riding test or undergo lessons, which some consider "ludicrous" given that motorcycles can travel up to 100 miles per hour.

Ryan's father, Brockton Fire Lieutenant Roger Orcutt, hopes that the bill will prevent other teens from getting into a dangerous motorcycle accident. State Senator Stephen M. Brewer urged the Joint Committee to pass the bill, so "Ryan's death will not be in vain."

The committee also heard testimony surrounding a bill that would require paratransit vehicles to have an up-to-date wheelchair tie-down and safety belt system. In addition, the bill would require a training course for employees and volunteers who transport wheelchair-seated passengers. Among those testifying in favor of the bill were Kenny Cieplik, a 34-year-old man from Middleborough who sustained serious injuries in a van crash last May when the seatbelts tying down his wheelchair broke.

Bill aims to toughen license laws, Boston Globe, October 7, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Lawmakers Weigh Bills on Teen Motorcyclists, Wheelchair Seatbelts " »

According to a recent study, hybrid cars are a greater risk to pedestrians than vehicles with internal combustion engines because of their quieter engines. Blind pedestrians are especially at risk, because they rely more heavily on auditory cues. In fact, a blind woman in Kansas City last year had her cane run over and broken by what she suspects was a hybrid vehicle.

Because of this heightened risk of a pedestrian accident, automakers are exploring ways to create noise and warn pedestrians, especially when a vehicle is driving under 10 miles per hour, when tires on pavement and other road noises are barely audible.

Congress also passed the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, which ordered a federal agency to examine the issue and potentially recommend a minimum amount of sound. Already, American drivers kill approximately 4,500 pedestrian and injure 70,000 others each year. And as hybrid cars gain in popularity, the issue of safety becomes even more important.

Safety experts fear electric cars too quiet, KansasCity.com, September 26, 2009

Continue reading "Hybrid Vehicles Pose Safety Risk to Pedestrians" »

With students heading back to school, AAA Southern New England is urging drivers to take extra care to prevent car accidents involving children. As part of their Drive Carefully Campaign, AAA is offering 10 key tips for motorists:

1. Slow Down: Because of increased foot traffic in school zones and residential areas, drivers should maintain a low speed and be ready to stop quickly if needed.

2. Obey Traffic Signs: This is an important rule to obey in any driving situation, but a national observational survey found that many drivers violate stop signs in school zones and residential neighborhoods.

3. Stay Alert: Avoid texting, talking on a cell phone, or adjusting the radio, because these activities can take your focus off the road and potentially lead to auto accidents.

4. Scan Between Parked Cars: Almost 40% of child pedestrian deaths occur between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m., mostly at non-intersection locations. Pay attention to parked cars, especially when children might be present.

5. Look for Clues: Keep an eye out for clues that children are likely nearby. Signs could include AAA School Safety Patrol members, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds.

6. Always Stop for School Buses: Twenty-three million students ride school buses, but the greatest risk is as they entering or exiting the bus. Watch for flashing yellow lights to indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped, and children are getting on and off.

Continue reading AAA's safety tips : AAA: Drive With Care as School Year Begins, iBerkshires.com, September 1, 2009

Continue reading "AAA Urges Motorists to Drive Safety, Especially in School Zones" »

A study funded by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security discovered that the number of people in Massachusetts wearing seat belts increased from 67% in 2008 to 74% this year. State officials announced this finding yesterday. Massachusetts' director of highway safety for the executive office cites enforcement efforts by police as well as education and media campaigns on seat belt usage for the increase among Massachusetts drivers and passengers.

Currently, Massachusetts law makes failure to wear a seat belt a secondary offense, meaning police officers can only issue a ticket for not wearing a seat belt after they pull over the driver for some other reason. The exception is if the officer sees a child under the age of 12 not strapped in.

However, some legislators are pushing for tougher seat belt laws that would allow officers to stop drivers simply for not wearing a seat belt. They cite the correlation between seat belt usage and lower risk of serious injury in a car accident as the reason for stricter seat belt legislation.

More Bay State residents are buckling up, Boston Globe, August 11, 2009

Continue reading "In Massachusetts, Seat Belt Use Is on the Rise" »

This may come as no surprise to most drivers in Massachusetts, but a recent survey conducted by the Concord-based TomTom Inc. found that Boston motorists are the most likely to use their horns when someone cuts them off.

TomTom studied drivers in seven American cities to find out the "driving personality" of each city, and Boston's personality was the "courageous commuter."

According to TomTom's findings, this driving personality applies to "bold drivers who do what it takes to overcome the obstacles and complexities of daily driving." Yes, that definitely sounds like it applies to Boston!

Drivers in Atlanta and Minneapolis also fall under the category of "courageous commuters," while LA and Houston drivers were classified as "diligent drivers" and those in Chicago and New York were dubbed "neutral navigators."

Survey: Boston drivers are "courageous commuters," Boston Globe, July 17, 2009

Continue reading "Survey Finds Boston Drivers Are "Courageous Commuters"" »

Yesterday, Massachusetts legislators vowed to "fast track" legislation regarding older drivers in light of several recent auto accidents involving older motorists. Senator Brian A. Joyce has twice introduced legislation that would put greater scrutiny on older drivers. His proposal mandates vision and road tests every five years for all drivers 85 and older. Joyce said he hopes that the recent car crashes would provide the impetus for the Legislature to act.

Among those present at a State House hearing yesterday were Nihan Patel, the relative of a 4-year-old who died a day after being hit by a car driven by an 86-year-old woman. The Registry of Motor Vehicles suspended the driver's license, and Stoughton police cited her for motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation.

During yesterday's hearing, a 78-year-old Woburn woman was hit "nearly head-on" by an 83-year-old driver. She sustained life-threatening injuries and was in critical condition at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Another bill calls for changes in the licensing of all drivers, not limiting the restrictions to drivers of a certain age.

Lawmakers vow to ‘fast track’ elderly driver legislation, Boston Globe, July 1, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Legislators Considering New Laws on Driver Licensing " »

Like many other states, Massachusetts does not mandate testing for older drivers aside from eye tests, which are required every ten years for all drivers. However, two recent Massachusetts car crashes involving elderly drivers have highlighted the issue of retesting older drivers and lawmakers are now under increased pressure to pass legislation that would monitor elderly drivers more carefully.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers over age 65 will make up a quarter of all drivers by 2025. Other researchers say that drivers pose a greater risk of causing a car accident around age 70 and that risk increases dramatically after age 80. Older drivers are also more likely to be involved in fatal accidents. However, some advocates for the elderly oppose testing targeted at senior citizens because they fear the measure may be discriminatory.

Last week, Governor Deval Patrick supported legislation that would require drivers age 85 and older to pass a road test and eye test every five years in order to renew their driver's licenses.

Pressure mounts to test elder drivers, Boston Globe, June 8, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Lawmakers Under Pressure to Test Older Drivers" »

According to a recent study, one-fifth of drivers between 16 and 61 who own cell phones send or receive text messages while driving and four-fifths make calls, yet 98 percent of American drivers say they are "safe" drivers. Not so, says Nationwide Insurance, which found that almost half of drivers say they've been hit or almost hit by a driver using a cell phone.

In light of the connection between distracted driving and motor vehicle accidents, as well as the recent subway crash involving a driver who was texting his girlfriend, more and more companies are imposing cell phone bans on their employees.

When AMEC banned its employees from using cellphones while driving on company time in 2005, the ban was met with cynicism. Now AMEC is leading the way for many more companies to do the same, according to reports in the Boston Globe. Some companies are even taking it a step further and banning all electronic devices while driving. While AMEC doesn't have any stats on whether car accident rates have decreased, over three-quarters of employees say they have cut back on using cell phones while driving in their personal life.

'Can't Talk Now,' Boston Globe, May 31, 2009

Continue reading "More Companies Banning Cell Phones While Driving " »

According to a survey released last week by GMAC Insurance, Massachusetts drivers ranked 44rd out of 50 states and the District of Columbia on a test of basic driving knowledge like the definition of a flashing red light or when to stop for a school bus.

The test required a 70 to pass and Massachusetts motorists earned an average score of 73.8, just squeaking by and passing the test. Massachusetts drivers also scored last on a seat belt use study conducted last year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

However, poor driving test scores don't necessarily mean a higher rate of fatal car accidents. In fact, data from the NHTSA show that Massachusetts had the lowest fatality-per-person rate of any state in 2007. While Idaho drivers scored highest on the driving test, it had a fatality-per-person rate that was about three times as high as Massachusetts!

The GMAC survey also discovered that drivers over age 35 performed better on the driving test than younger drivers and that men generally scored higher than women.

LOOK OUT! Mass. drivers behind the curve, HeraldNews.com, May 21, 2009

Continue reading "Study Finds Massachusetts Drivers Not the Most Knowledgeable" »

This time of year means high school prom and graduation, which also means that teens experience extra pressure to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, raising their car accident risk. According to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, 21 Massachusetts teens died in motor vehicle-related crashes during May and June alone from 2004 to 2007.

Teen drivers are already three times as likely to be involved in a fatal car crash compared to other age drivers. The Centers for Disease Control rank motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death for teenagers nationwide.

The added temptation of post-prom parties and graduation celebrations underscore the importance of making safe decisions. Just last week, a teen driver killed a pedestrian while driving home from a prom after party in Boston.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security along with AAA Southern New England recommend that parents of teens teach by example (wear a seat belt), ask teens where they are going and how they are getting home, and remind teens of the high cost of getting convicted of impaired driving.

Keeping teen drivers safe, WickedLocal.com, May 19, 2009

Continue reading "Safe Driving More Crucial Than Ever for Massachusetts Teens" »

The Registry of Motor Vehicles recently announced that Massachusetts drivers can view their driving record online and download or request a certified copy. The new web options are designed to alleviate the burden on RMV employees. Last year, the RMV received more than 57,000 requests for driver records.

Driving records are sometimes required as a condition of employment or if the driver is summoned to court for a motor vehicle violation. Drivers have the option of ordering certified or unattested copies of these documents. An unattested driving record can be viewed online and downloaded, saved, and/or printed for $6. Drivers can also request a certified copy of their record, with the Registrars signature, for $20. The certified copy is mailed to the driver's address on record.

In addition to accessing driving records, Massachusetts drivers can also view registrations, titles, and driver education certificates, renew Massachusetts ID's, determine when their license will expire, and register as an organ and tissue donor.

MA drivers can access RMV records online, Milford Daily News, April 14, 2009

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Studies show that 45 percent of those who die in a highway accident would have lived in they had been wearing a seat belt. Massachusetts, Maine, and dozens of other states around the country already have laws requiring adults to buckle up. If a new bill headed for the state Senate passes, then New Hampshire will become the 50th state to pass seat belt legislation.

The Transportation Committee changed the original bill from a primary to a secondary offense, meaning that police officers can only issue a ticket if the officer stops for the driver for a separate traffic violation. Roughly half of the states have primary seat-belt laws. Maine is among them, and the state's commissioner of public safety saws the law resulted in 32 fewer highway deaths.

Massachusetts' seat-belt law makes not wearing a seat belt a secondary offense. Police officers point out that since it can be difficult to see if drivers are wearing a seat belt, the enforcement often makes it a secondary offense anyway.

NH may become 50th state with seat belt law, Eagle Tribune, April 27, 2009

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According to Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, Occidental Fire and Casualty Insurance Company has been charging Boston drivers excessive rates on their car insurance. On Monday, the company was barred from practicing a slew of alleged illegal rating practices.

The AG’s office used its authority under the Consumer Protection Act to stop what it deems to be illegal practices. Coakley says the proposed rates were not justified and violated several Massachusetts statutes.

The company will be able to begin writing policies on April 1 and a hearing is set for April 30.

AG: Urban Drivers Targeted By Insurance Co., The Boston Channel, March 31, 2009

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Last week, Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie S. Burnes announced that the state will retain the board that allows drivers to appeal auto insurance surcharges. According to the legislators who sponsored the bills, there was support for retaining the board in both the Senate and the House.

When a driver is involved with a motor vehicle accident, their insurance company assesses a surcharge on the driver’s premiums if the company determines that the driver was at fault in the accident. Surcharges can be as high as half the premium, adding hundreds of dollars to the driver’s auto insurance costs.

Consumer advocates argued that insurance companies were not likely to give motorists a fair hearing, since they have a financial incentive to charging the driver a surcharge and collecting additional revenue by deeming the driver at fault. The appeal’s board charges $50 to apply for a hearing and takes approximately six months to hear a case. Each year, about half the cases are determined in favor of drivers.

“The Board of Appeals is an important safeguard to ensure that consumers are protected against decisions by insurance companies that can result in significantly higher premiums,” said Deirdre Cummings, legislative director of the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group.

State to keep car insurance appeal board, Boston Globe, March 19, 2009

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In February, a state trooper responding to a motor vehicle accident was seriously injured by a car that spun out of control and hit him. State police have experienced several instances where troopers sustained injuries due to a motor vehicle moving at excessive speeds.

They are hoping that a new law, “Slow Down, Move Over,” which goes into effect on Sunday will reduce the number of fatalities and injuries in among emergency medical personnel, highway workers, police officers, and other responding to an a car accident, traffic violation, or emergency.

State legislature passed the “Slow Down, Move Over” law on December 22, and the new legislation requires drivers to slow down as they pass an emergency situation and to leave the lane closet to the auto accident if possible. There is no specified speed limit, but drivers up to a $100 fine for failing to comply.

Rhode Island already enacted similar legislation last July and 42 other states have a “Move Over Law” in place.

Law makes drivers move over, slow down for roadside emergencies, Boston Globe, March 18, 2009

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According to a 2001 study conducted by AAA, drivers over age 65 are 25 percent more likely to get into a car accident than middle-aged drivers. Those over 85 are 50 percent more likely to get into a car crash during a left-hand turn. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that drivers 75 and older are second only to teenagers in terms of fatalities per 100 miles driven.

These statistics are the reason why Senator Brian A. Joyce is pushing for stricter standards for seniors who retain a driver’s license.

An editorial printed in the Milford Daily News points out that a majority of states already have laws that require older drivers to take more vision and road tests. Some states also require mandatory vision tests when drivers go to renew. In Massachusetts, drivers’ vision is tested once every ten years.

Although it may seem arbitrary to single out drivers over a certain age, the bill could potentially reduce the number of car accidents in Massachusetts.

Editorial: Eye tests for older drivers, Milford Daily News, March 16, 2009

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Reuters reports that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new statistics on traffic deaths in the United States. The study listed Massachusetts as the safest state in the nation. Mississippi had the highest rate of deaths on the road with four times as many as Massachusetts.

Between 1999 and 2005, the Northeast had 9.8 motor vehicle-related deaths per 100,000 population, while the Midwest had 14.7, the South had 19.5, and the West had 14.2.

Though the report does not speculate on why these statistics vary so widely by region, CDC team points out that drivers in rural areas of the South may drive more miles and increase their risk of serious collision as a result. Another factor may be that inclement weather in the North forces drivers to be more careful on the road or forego driving altogether.

The survey also found that men were twice as likely as women to die from a motor vehicle accident. Over 213,000 men were killed on the road compared with 98,000 women.

South leads U.S. in traffic deaths, CDC finds, Reuters, February 26, 2009

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Data from the National Highway Safety Administration show that over three quarters of motor vehicle accidents are caused by driver inattention, and cell phone use is the number one cause of inattention on the road.

In January, the National Safety Council called for states to ban cell phone use while driving, even going as far as banning hands-free devices. According to the Safety Council, the level of distraction while talking on a hands-free device is no different from talking on a headset. In fact, it’s not the act of holding a cell phone that is distracting – it’s having a conversation with someone who’s not in the car.

Several states enforce hefty fines for drivers using cell phones on the road. In fact, Chicago Police have issued over 40,000 tickets to drivers who violated the cell phone ban. Last week, the fine increased from $75 to $100, but some are concerned that this still may not deter drivers from using cell phones.

Time to Hang It Up: New Cell Fine May Not Help, Chicago Sun-Times, February 16, 2009

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The Insurance Research Council (IRC) predicts that nearly one in six drivers will be uninsured by next year, an increase of 3 million uninsured drivers compared to five years ago. Some experts say that higher rates of uninsured drivers correlate with higher rates of unemployment and increased stress on budgets.

According to IRC’s vice president, David Corum, the percentage of uninsured motorists increases three-quarters of a percentage point for every one percent increase in unemployment. Insurance companies warn against cutting car insurance to cut costs, because an auto accident could financially ruin an uninsured driver if there is damage to property or injury to others involved with the car accident.

According to IRC, the average payment on claims involving a driver without insurance is around $11,000. Some states will take license plates or impound vehicles of a motorist who drives without insurance. Some even jail those who do not comply with the law.

Several states have reached rates of uninsured drivers as high as quarter of the population. However, as of 2007, Massachusetts had the lowest of uninsured drivers, with about one percent.

Road hazard: uninsured driver rates climb, Associated Press, February 6, 2009

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The Boston Globe recently reported on so-called safekeeping towing practices in which officers tow vandalized cars to protect them from further damage or theft.

It happened recently to Ashley Bitar, when her 2009 Mazda was vandalized outside her apartment in South Boston. The pharmaceutical sales rep had to go on her morning sales calls, so she taped up the broken window and drove off. But several hours later, she discovered that her car had disappeared outside of a client’s office on Massachusetts Avenue.

Police told her the car had been towed for “safekeeping,” but she would have to pay a towing bill and storage fee amounting to $132. Boston police said they are not at liberty to reduce or waive towing fees, because towing regulations treat car vandalism victims in the same manner as those drivers who break the law. Sometimes safekeeping tows are ordered to prevent a drunk driver from getting behind the wheel.

However, drivers can request reimbursement for towing fees from their insurance companies when they file a vandalism claim.

Towing for safety has its costs, Boston Globe, January 25, 2009

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On Monday, the Massachusetts house and Senate approved a new bill that would penalize drivers who do not slow down or move over while driving past emergency vehicles providing roadside assistance. If passed, drivers will receive a $100 fine for failing to comply.

According to a spokesperson for AAA Southern New England, 44 states across the United States already have a similar bill in place. AAA began supporting the “move over bill” after two of its tow truck drivers died in a roadside accident on Route 495 in Norton.

The State Police Association of Massachusetts has also publicly supported the bill, in part because in the last two months five state troopers have been injured by cars as they provided assistance along the side of the road.

The legislation has been sent to Governor Deval Patrick, who must sign, veto, or amended the bill before Christmas Day.

Legislature gives final approval to 'Move Over' bill, WickedLocal.com, December 16, 2008

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With winter descending on New England along with the threat of weather-related auto crashes, some drivers are taking a proactive stance against the hazards of ice-covered roads by enrolling in driver skills development programs.

Programs like the In Control driving school, which offers classes in South Weymouth, North Andover, Seekonk, Worcester, and Cape Cod, teach experienced and beginning driver advanced accident avoidance techniques.

One way to lower the risk of a traffic accident during implement weather is to leave proper space between cars. Leaving one car length for every 10mph will, unfortunately, not allow enough space to prevent a car collision. Instead, instructors recommend that drivers notice when the vehicle ahead passes a landmark alongside the road and ensure that they take a minimum of three second to pass the same object.

This past weekend, under a light dusting of snow, a driver and a state trooper sustained injuries in unrelated car crashes, underscoring the importance of driver safety, particularly during the winter months.

Trooper, Driver Injured In Snowy Crashes, The Boston Channel, December 7, 2008

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A recent editorial in the Wakefield Observer by Colonel Mark F. Delaney, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police emphasized the importance of wearing a seat belt. It cited the fact that although research shows that seat belts can avert severe injuries or death in a car crash, about a third of Massachusetts drivers don’t buckle up.

Another trend cited is the fact that teenagers are less likely to comply with seat belt laws. In fact, the article states that compliance among teenagers fell by 10% this year.

In order to combat this troubling trend, the Massachusetts State Police local police departments enforced seat belt usage during their “Click It or Ticket” campaign this past fall. As part of the program, the state police added 464 extra patrols throughout the state, and when officers pulled over drivers, they checked to see that all of the vehicle’s occupants were wearing seat belts.

Tackling seat belt safety, WickedLocal.com, December 6, 2008

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As the holidays approach, many drivers will be decking out their vehicles with Christmas trees, decorative reindeer antlers, or holiday wreaths. The Boston Globe recently reported on the safety and legality of such items.

According to their article, it is legal to strap a Christmas tree or other seasonal items (excluding lights) to the roof of your car. However, it cannot obstruct your view of the road or block headlights, turning lights, or brake lights, as such obstructions could potentially cause an auto accident. Drivers may be subject to a $35 fine for “impeded operation” of a car.

Massachusetts state law does restrict the height and width of all vehicles. The limit on vehicle height is 13 feet 6 inches and width is 8 feet 6 inches, which also applies to items lie mattresses, bicycles, furniture, and, in the case of hunters, game kill.

Loads may also extend up to 4 feet beyond the rear of a car. Drivers must attach a red light, cloth, or flag to the end of the load if it exceeds 4 feet. The article continues to describe the insurance implications if your load becomes unattached and causes a traffic accident.

Inside scoop on what can go outside, Boston Globe, November 23, 2008

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According to the Massachusetts’ Registry of Motor Vehicles, the number of registered motorcyclists increased by 12 percent in 2006 (the most recent year for which data is available). A state Department of Public Health report for 2006 released earlier this year states that 55 motorcyclists died in Massachusetts as the result of injuries suffered during a motorcycle accident.

In response to the increasing popularity of motorcycles in Massachusetts, the Rockport Ambulance Association is sponsoring an all-day training session on motorcycle safety. The November 16 course is free to the public and open to all Cape Ann residents. Emergency personnel who choose to complete the course will receive continuing education credits upon payment of $55.

The goal of this course is to reduce motorcyclist accident fatalities and the severity of injuries by teaching proper actions and reactions. Participants will learn how to secure a crash scene, how to assess the emergency medical safety factors, and how motorcyclists can protect themselves legally and financially. The course will also discuss injuries that are commonly associated with motorcycle accidents. Call 978-546-9589 to register for the “Crash Course for the Motorcyclist.”

Rise in riders prompts 'crash course for motorcyclists' in Rockport, Gloucester Times, October 31, 2008

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Officials are Lowell, Massachusetts are concerned about the number of traffic accidents at Lowell intersections and are looking for ways to fix the problem.

The Massachusetts Highway Department’s 2008 study of car accidents in Massachusetts found that Lowell has the number one and number three intersections with the most car crashes. It also has two more intersections that were listed in the top 20 and 10 that were listed in the top 200.

Between 2004 and 2006, Lowell had 1,1133 car accidents at its 14 most dangerous intersections, resulting in 328 injuries and three deaths. Lowell is the fourth largest city in Massachusetts with 100,000 people, so the volume of traffic it handles is another concern.

Over the next four years, MassHighway plans to spend $42 million on projects that will improve Lowell intersections. These projects include creating a pedestrian bridge over Thorndike Street, improving traffic signals, and bettering or replacing bridges. In addition, the Lowell police are ticketing drivers who rush into intersections and block oncoming traffic and setting up sobriety checkpoints in an effort to make sure that drivers to follow the law.

Lowell looks to put brakes on traffic accidents, Boston Globe, October 30, 2008

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Out of concern for police officers and tow truck drivers who have been injured or killed on the side of the highway, Massachusetts legislators have called for new legislation called the “Move Over Law.” Sponsored by State Representative Christine E. Canavan, of Brockton, the law would require highway drivers to move out of the right lane if emergency vehicle lights are flashing.

For instance, Massachusetts state trooper was hit by a 2008 Nissan Maxima while the trooper was stopped in a breakdown lane near Newton, Massachusetts, investigating a car crash. The impact of the collision sent the trooper through the windshield of the Nissan.

Fortunately, the trooper survived the car accident, but the incident does reinforce the need for legislation. A fatal breakdown lane accident occurred in 2004, when two tow truck drivers were hit and killed along Interstate 495 in Brockton.

According to Move Over America, a coalition of national law enforcement agencies who are favor of the new law, forty-three states have already passed similar legislation.

'Move Over Law' sought after trooper struck, Boston Globe, October 19, 2008

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Note: this post has been updated with information courtesy of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

The Boston Globe reports that Massachusetts launched a new vehicle inspection program this month, complete with a new logo, website, and toll-free hotline. The vehicle inspection program is expected to take less time and increase the number of car safety checks performed at local service stations. It will cost the same $29 per vehicle.

Owners of vehicles that fail the safety inspection will be required to get safety repairs done immediately and get their vehicles retested within 60 days. However, under the new program, owners with emission repairs that exceed specific cost thresholds are now able to apply for an economic hardship waiver. If granted, the waiver allows the owner to continue driving the vehicle for up to a year.

Vehicles built before 1996 will no longer be required to undergo emission testing, but vehicles with smoke coming out of tailpipes will be failed. Car models from 1996 and later will undergo yearly on-board diagnostic emissions testing.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Environmental Protection have hired Parsons Commercial Technology Group to manage the program and install equipment at 1,400 sites throughout Massachusetts.

New car inspection plan launches tomorrow statewide, Boston Globe, September 30, 2008

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A researcher at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst is about to publish two studies on driver distraction. Both will illuminate the hazards of drivers who spend too much time fussing with car gadgets and not enough time focusing on the road.

Donald L. Fisher, an engineer who runs the Human Performance Lab at UMass-Amherst, found that drivers who used an iPod while driving on a simulator looked away from the road for at last two full seconds, long enough to increase the risk of a car accident by a factor of three.

Another finding from the study was using a voice-activated system makes drivers less likely to take their eyes of the road for a dangerous period of time. The Boston Globe suggests that drivers can also decrease the risk of a car accident by presetting a song line-up so drivers don’t have to adjust iPods or letting the passengers handle the playlist.

Study points to hazard of driver iPods, Boston Globe, October 5, 2008

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