Foxboro Man Rides With Police For Hands-Free Law After Son Dies

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Thirteen years ago, Foxborough resident Jerry Cibley lost his son Jordan in car crash caused by a distracted driver. He since has spent years advocating for a hands-free cellphone law to be pasted in Massachusetts. And after the law was put into affect last month, Cibley got to go on a police ride-along and watch officers enforce it.

Cibley told the Foxboro Reporter he spent the day with Sgt. David Foscaldo and saw him stop four drivers within 90 minutes. The two formed a bond the night Cibley's 18-year-old son died when the officer consoled Cibley while they were at the hospital. Cibley said he was happy to the law go into affect because it may prevent the death of others.

"It's about time," Cibley told the Foxboro Reporter. "We're going to save lives. What's better than saving lives."

The hands-free law, signed by Gov. Charlie Baker in November, was enacted onFeb. 23. Offenders will get a warning until March 31, then fines of $100 for a first violation, $250 for a second and $500 for subsequent violations. Multiple offenses will force drivers to complete a training program, while anything after the second violation could mean your auto insurance goes up.

Drivers are limited to a single tap or swipe to use the phone's hands-free mode. The phone will have to be mounted to the dashboard or windshield to use navigation. Even picking up the phone in traffic or at a red light is not be permitted.

Anyone under 18 is not be allowed to use a phone at all while driving.