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Somerville explores texting ban for drivers
Somerville
residents who like to multitask behind the wheel may be affected by a
proposed ordinance banning texting while driving on local streets.
Last week, the Board of Alderman approved a resolution proposed by Ward 7 Alderman Robert Trane to explore an ordinance banning text messaging among drivers traveling on Somerville roadways.
“It's dangerous [and] I see it all over the city all the time,” Trane said. “Let's put this ordinance in place, give our police department a tool to combat this and make our streets safe.”
Last week, the Board of Alderman approved a resolution proposed by Ward 7 Alderman Robert Trane to explore an ordinance banning text messaging among drivers traveling on Somerville roadways.
“It's dangerous [and] I see it all over the city all the time,” Trane said. “Let's put this ordinance in place, give our police department a tool to combat this and make our streets safe.”
The state Legislature has been mulling a statewide ban for months, as
various communities including Brookline and Boston have gone forward
with their own proposals.
In neighboring Medford, the City Council recently passed an ordinance that would impose fines of up to $300 for those who repeatedly text behind the wheel. In bringing forth the ordinance, Medford councilor Michael Marks cited data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from 2008, which states that one in four American teens of driving age have admitted to texting while driving. Half of all teens say they've been a passenger while a driver has texted behind the wheel.
Trane's resolution was referred to the Committee on Legislative Matters.
In neighboring Medford, the City Council recently passed an ordinance that would impose fines of up to $300 for those who repeatedly text behind the wheel. In bringing forth the ordinance, Medford councilor Michael Marks cited data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from 2008, which states that one in four American teens of driving age have admitted to texting while driving. Half of all teens say they've been a passenger while a driver has texted behind the wheel.
Trane's resolution was referred to the Committee on Legislative Matters.
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