The Five Minute Read

MASSDOT highlights October as Distracted Driving Awareness Month

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MASSDOT) is reminding motorists to remove distractions while driving, reduce speed and pay attention to the road as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Since the state’s “hands-free” law took effect on Feb. 23, 22,417 motor vehicle citations and warnings have been issued to drivers in Massachusetts.

The law stipulates that motor vehicle operators cannot use electronic devices unless they are being used in hands-free mode. It is illegal to read or view text, images or videos unless they are assisting navigation and the device is mounted in an appropriate location on the dash or windshield. Phone calls can also only be made hands-free, by using technology such as Bluetooth. It is illegal for drivers under 18 to use any phones or electronic devices while driving, including using hands-free mode.

“Driving safely should be the most important responsibility for anyone who gets behind the wheel,” Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Secretary Tom Turco said in a statement. “That means driving sober, putting away mobile devices, and keeping our eyes on the road. Distracted Driving Awareness

Month is a time to pause and reflect on the importance of giving roadway safety our full attention.”

Registrar of Motor Vehicles Jamey Tesler said it is “a reminder that even the smallest distraction in a vehicle can have deadly consequences.”

MASSDOT data shows there were a total of 207 fatalities from March to September, an increase from 202 in the same period in 2019 — despite a 65-75% drop in weekday traffic on highways and toll roads and a 45-50% drop on other state roadways during the first several months of the coronavirus pandemic.

Violation of the hands-free law carries