Massachusetts is finally taking the epidemic that is texting while driving seriously and have introduced legislation that would make the act illegal. However, in true Massachusetts fashion, they have to practice a little ageism in the midst of it.
Under the bill, “no operator of a motor vehicle shall use a mobile telephone, mobile electronic device, or other device capable of accessing the Internet to compose, send, or read an electronic message while operating’’ a vehicle. Drivers could only text “if the vehicle is stationary and not located in a part of the roadway intended for travel,’’ according to the bill.
Violations would result in a fine of $100 for the first offense, $250 for a second offense, and $500 for a third offense. If drivers are found to have been texting when they caused an accident, they would be treated as reckless drivers under the law and could be jailed for up to two years.
After reading the first two paragraphs, I'm in full support. That is until this pearl appears..."Drivers under age 18 would be banned not only from texting but from using a cellphone in any way while behind the wheel. A first offense would result in a 180-day suspension of their license or learner’s permit and a $100 fine; a second offense would result in a one-year suspension; and a $250 fine and a third offense would be punishable by a one-year suspension and a $500 fine."
I didn't realize that an accident caused by 17 year-old on a cellphone was any different than one caused by a 30 year-old.
I am certainly not asking for that piece to be taken away, actually just the opposite. I would like the entire discriminatory aspect of the bill to be removed by extending that ruling to all drivers making it illegal to use a cellphone while operating a motor vehicle.
I am in full support of this bill, but not if it includes discrimination against someone's age.
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