Springfield Police Department Urges Safe Driving Practices during Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Springfield, Mass. — In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, on behalf of the Springfield Police Department Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers is reminding drivers of the dangers of using a cell phone behind the wheel as well as the importance of staying focused while driving a vehicle.
April is designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month by the National Safety Council (NSC). As part of the campaign, the Springfield Police Department is working to raise awareness about the importance of attentive and engaged driving, educating and reminding drivers about Massachusetts Hands-Free Law and focusing on the dangers distracted driving poses to everyone on the road, including other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
The Springfield Police Department has and will continue to have additional traffic enforcements in place throughout the month of April focused on distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3308 people died in distracted driving crashes in 2022. More than 3500 people died in distracted driving crashes in 2021.
Police Superintendent Akers states, “Having worked in our Traffic Unit for many years, I have seen first-hand far too many people in our community suffer serious injuries or even be killed in avoidable crashes. The common threads in nearly every crash are speeding and/or texting. Please slow down and put down your phones. Our officers are out there this month looking for drivers who are using their phones and are distracted behind the wheel. Let’s pledge together to put your phones down and make sure everyone gets home safe.”
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “Police Superintendent Larry Akers and I want to help raise awareness for everyone to drive safe and not drive distracted not only during Distracted Driving Month but every day. Please understand how dangerous it is to speed, or to text and drive, or pull your awareness away from the road while driving. We all must do our part and pay attention. Our brave and dedicated men and women of the Springfield Police Department will continue to work diligently with their proactive measures and initiatives to help raise awareness and educate drivers to try and keep everyone safe.”
Massachusetts law prohibits drivers from writing, sending or reading electronic messages, using apps or browsing the internet while driving, even if stopped at a light or in traffic. Operators are permitted to use hands-free technology including Bluetooth, “single tape or swipe” to active or deactivate hands-free mode, navigation technology mounted to the car’s dash and phone use in emergency situations. Drivers may use their phones if they are stationary and not in an active travel lane. Drivers under 18 years old are prohibited from using mobiles phones and other electronic devices while driving.
The penalties for violating the hands-free law include a $100 fine for the first offense, $250 fine for the second offense, and a $500 fine plus an insurance surcharge for the third and any subsequent offense.
Read more about the Hands-Free Law on springfieldmapolice.com, pamphlets with information about the law, in English and Spanish, can also be found on our website.
In addition to talking on the phone or texting, the NHTSA notes distracted driving as any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. This can include eating, drinking, talking to people in the vehicle, handling the radio, entertainment or navigation system. When behind the wheel, drivers should only focus on driving, keeping their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel and their mind getting to their destination safely.
Drivers are encouraged to:
- Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before starting to drive.
- Be good role models for young drivers and set a good example. Talk with your teens about responsible driving.
- Speak up when a driver uses an electronic device behind the wheel. Offer to make the call or text for the driver, so their attention stays on the road.
- Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the best defense against unsafe drivers.
- Be alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially those who may be distracted themselves.
For more distracted driving safety information please visit the NHTSA website or the NSC website.
