Results tagged “textingwhiledriving”

• The legislature may revise pension plans to prevent abuses today. [Globe]
• They'll also consider (banning) texting while driving. [WBZ]
• Some local students were present at yesterday's shooting at the Holocaust Memorial Museum. [Herald]

The state Senate has long waffled on banning texting while driving. However, in the aftermath of a texting-caused Green Line crash that injured 49 people, the Senate supports a bill prohibiting reading or writing text messages while driving. The MBTA has already banned cell phones for its drivers; soon they may taboo on the road as well, at least for texting purposes. Having terrified many a passenger in her car by texting extensively while driving, this Bostonist can see the need for such a ban, but is pleased to still be able to text while riding the T—in stations that have cell service, at least.

Effective May 18, 2009 (that's tomorrow), MBTA drivers cannot use a cellular phone or electronic device while on duty. If caught doing so, they will receive a 30-day suspension with recommendation for discharge (not white or lumpy, we hope). Just carrying a phone can result in a 10-day suspension on the first offense and a 30-day suspension with the requisite discharge recommendation on the second offense. The new policy is in part the result of a texting-caused crash that injured 49 people and resulted in the culpable driver being fired. The MBTA drivers' union is displeased with the new policy and has filed a protest. For now, T drivers, be warned: electronics are not part of your uniform. As though they once were?

The Joint Committee on Transportation has approved a bill that bans the use of using a handheld gadget while driving, and the Massachusetts House of Representatives will vote on the bill next, the Globe reports.