Distracted driving update: Driver inattention continues to be a leading killer on New Jersey roads and highways. Numbers for 2021, released at the beginning of 2023, showed distracted driving was linked to 194 fatalities in the state. Distracted driving has been the No. 1 cause of roadway deaths for almost a decade, State Police reported, but in 2021 it was replaced in the top slot by driving under the influence. A New Jersey woman has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of vehicular homicide in a closely watched texting & driving case. Alexandra Mansonet, 50, … [Read more...]
Minnesota: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 24, 2008 by 17 Comments
Distracted driving updates: Just under 21,000 drivers were ticketed in the first year under Minnesota's hands-free law. Officials say distracted driving's role in roadway fatalities was reduced significantly in the period, from about 10 percent to 6 percent of total fatalities. Distracted motorists between the ages of 21 and 40 received almost 60 percent of the hands-free citations. Fines range from $50 to $275, before fees. Officials blame distracted driving for one out of four vehicle crashes in Minnesota. Minnesota's new hands-free law went into effect Aug. 1, 2019. Gov. Tim Walz had … [Read more...]
Montana: Cell phone laws, legislation
June 24, 2008 by 11 Comments
Distracted driving update: A plan to require local laws restricting cell phone use by drivers advanced in the Senate in 2023 but was tabled by a House committee in early April. The measure sought to block any full bans on cell phone operation, but allows for hands-free laws. At least 13 Montana cities have adopted laws against electronic distracted driving. They include Missoula, Bozeman, Billings, Helena, Whitefish, Butte-Silver Bow, Hamilton, Great Falls, Baker and Columbia Falls. Countywide bans are in effect in Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge. Montana is the only state … [Read more...]
Vermont: Cell phone, texting driving laws
January 1, 2008 by 4 Comments
Distracted driving update: Roadway deaths in Vermont remain near peak levels, officials said at the end of 2021. At least 73 people died on the state's streets and highways. Almost half were intoxicated and a third were speeding. A law enforcement official said distracted driving continued to be "a leading cause" of the fatalities. The previous decade's average was 71.5 deaths. A ban on drivers' use of handheld cell phones went into effect in Vermont in fall 2014. First offenders see fines of up to $200 but no points unless the violation occurs in a work zone (2 points vs. driver's … [Read more...]
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