Chief’s Column: There’s no excuse for distracted driving

As many will notice, there is much less traffic on our roadways due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, even with fewer motorists, we are still getting calls for distracted and erratic drivers who feel that they are the only vehicles on the roadway and fail to drive safely, putting themselves and other motorists at risk. In order to make residents mindful of the causes and consequences of distracted driving, the Grafton Police Department would again like to offer the following information and reminders:

WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger and bystander safety. These types of distractions include: Texting, using a cell phone or smartphone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading, including maps, using a navigation system, watching a video, adjusting a radio, CD player or MP3 player.

With regard to texting and cell phone use, Massachusetts law prohibits operators of motor vehicles from using any electronic device, including mobile telephones, unless the device is used in hands-free mode. The “hands-free” law went into effect on February 23, 2020. The penalties for violating the “hands-free” law are as follows:

• First offense – $100 fine.
• Second offense – $250 fine, plus mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program.
• Third and subsequent offenses – $500 fine, plus insurance surcharge and mandatory completion of distracted driving educational program.

10 Tips for Managing Driver Distractions

1. Turn it off. Turn your phone off or switch to silent mode before you get in the car. Or better yet, put the phone away in a place it cannot be accessed while driving.

2. Spread the word. Set up a special message to tell callers that you are driving and you’ll get back to them as soon as possible or sign up for a service that offers this.

3. Pull over. If you need to make a call, pull over to a safe area first.

4. Use your passengers. Ask a passenger to communicate for you.

5. X the text. Don’t ever text and drive, surf the web or read your email while driving. It is dangerous and against the law in most states.

6. Know the law. Familiarize yourself with state and local laws before you get in the car.

7. Prepare. Start your GPS or review maps and directions before you start to drive. If you need help when you are on the road, ask a passenger to help or pull over to a safe location to review the map and/or directions.

8. Secure your pets. Pets can be a big distraction in the car. Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive.

9. Keep the kids safe. Pull over to a safe location to address situations with your children in the car.

10. Focus on the task at hand. Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, reading and any other activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road.

It’s not that complicated: if you text and drive or drive erratically because you are distracted and just not paying attention to the road, we will see you, pull you over, and cite you. It just isn’t worth it.

PLEASE! For everyone’s safety, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.