Michigan brakes handheld cell phone use

Longtime automotive capital Michigan has finally put its pedal foot down on distracted driving, by enacting a hands-free law. It goes into effect June 30. Alabama, meanwhile, checked in with a hands-free prohibition that comes capped with secondary enforcement. And Missouri, another longtime safety laggard, enacted a hands-free law, also with secondary enforcement. "We need to remove distractions and make our roads safer for everyone who’s using them," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said at the bill signing for the distracted driving package. "Each traffic death is more than just a … [Read more...]

Ohio to drivers: Keep hands off cell phones

A hands-free cell phone law with primary enforcement goes into effect in Ohio in early April. Gov. Mike DeWine, a firm supporter of limiting cell phone use by all drivers, signed the measure into law Jan. 3. The legislation originated in the House, but was incorporated into a much-larger criminal justice act that emerged from the Senate. House sponsors were state Reps. Cindy Abrams and Brian Lampton. Fines from $150 (first offense) to $500, plus points vs. the driver's license. Serial offenders face the possibility of license loss. A six-month warning period begins April 3. Ohio's new … [Read more...]

Feds survey assisted driving, find 400 crashes

In a first of its kind study, federal transportation officials have surveyed crashes associated with automated driving systems or driver assisted systems. They found more than 500 crashes and six deaths over the past 10 months. The study cited 130 crashes since July 2021 linked to automated driving systems (ADS), which are not yet available for purchase by the public. One crash resulted in a serious injury. ADS is an entirely hands-free technology. There were 392 crashes linked to driver assisted systems (ADAS), which are in limited use on U.S. roadways. There were six fatalities and … [Read more...]

Tesla pulls the plug on moving game play

Innovative U.S. automaker Tesla is shutting down its Passenger Play game feature over concerns drivers can be distracted by the games screen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said a Tesla software update will disable the feature while vehicles are moving. The NHTSA had just announced an investigation into the entertainment system the day before. It said the feature was "visible on the front center touchscreen from the driver's seat, is enabled even when the vehicle is being driven. This functionality ... may distract the driver and increase the risk of a … [Read more...]

Virginia, Arizona, Idaho roll out distracted fines

Motorists have been warned. Now they'll be fined. A trio of states saw their distracted driving laws take full effect with the new year, bringing new fines. Virginia, Arizona and Idaho had been issuing warnings under previously enacted hands-free laws. In Virginia, the law now prohibits the holding of wireless communications devices while driving. Although the ban went into effect in mid-summer, enforcement began with the new year. Officials say almost 20 percent of all crashes on Virginia's roads and highways can be linked to distraction. Almost 15 percent of fatalities had that … [Read more...]