Mattleman: Safe Driving Habits Begin at Home

These days, drivers have more distractions than ever: cell phones, mp3 players and video games can all divert drivers' attention from the road and have caused a multitude of accidents, especially when young drivers are concerned.

Massachusetts's new Mobile Phone/Texting Law (Safe Driving Law), prohibits anyone operating a motor vehicle from using any mobile electronic device to write, send or read an electronic message.

To date there have not been many citations in Needham, according to Lieutenant John Kraemer of the Needham Police Department. However, he explained, "All of these things are distractions and they cause less focus to be on the road. The police department encourages people not to be operating these devices."

"A lot of it is using good common sense when operating a motor vehicle," Kraemer added.

Under the new law, drivers under 18 are not permitted to use any electronic device while driving, even if that device is hands-free. Those 18 and over may make and answer phone calls, as long as one hand is on the steering wheel at all times. Drivers of any age are not permitted to text while driving and are subject to a graduated fine if they do so.

Jon Mattleman of Needham Youth Services has encouraged parents to talk to their young drivers about the new law.

"Most parents assume their kids already know," he said. "It's important not just to mention it but to reinforce it."

Mattleman suggests that parents have their young drivers put cell phones in a place where it cannot be accessed, such as the trunk of the car.

"If the sound is off and vibrate function is off, that kid doesn't know they're being called and the temptation is not there," he said. "Most kids get to a traffic light and say, 'Let me check my text,' and that's not legal."

Mattleman has suggested this tactic to his own children, who are college-aged and often on the phone. "I don't see them moment to moment, day to day, but I have suggested it multiple times because it's just too tempting," he related.

More information about the Mobile Phone/Texting Law (Safe Driving Law) can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Transportation RMV website.