Reflections From the Front Lines
During the June 24 event, “Resident Writing in the Time of COVID-19,” five Mass General residents read from and discussed recent pieces they have published in national publications.
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NewsFeb | 21 | 2020
The new Massachusetts distracted driving prevention law goes into effect Feb. 23. Michael Flaherty, DO, a pediatric critical care physician in the MGHfC Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and director of the Trauma and Injury Prevention and Outreach Program, works to investigate the effects of health policies and legislation on preventing pediatric injuries. Here, Flaherty answers some questions on the new law – why it is important and how parents can talk about it with their teenagers.
Distracted driving means your attention or focus is taken away from the task of driving and comprises three core types:
Distracted driving is dangerous and can lead to injury and death. More than 1,000 people are injured daily in crashes involving a distracted driver. While any distraction can endanger the driver and others, texting while driving is especially dangerous as it combines all three types of distraction. Further, it takes the brain approximately
30 seconds to refocus on driving after looking at a mobile phone.
The Massachusetts hands-free law prohibits all drivers from all use of their phones, for any reason, including making calls, reading or sending text messages, using social media or typing in directions – even when at a stop light or in traffic. Phones may be used in hands-free mode through Bluetooth or when the phone is mounted to the windshield or dashboard at eye level.
Drivers can utilize their mobile device’s voice commands for directions and calls – such as Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant – which must be enabled to place calls or get directions.
Cars without built-in GPS, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto must be equipped with a phone mount on the dash or windshield for GPS navigation. Drivers must type in their destination and start the directions before driving.
Drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. Parents need to foster open conversations about the importance of the law and how it works to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. Since 2010 it has been illegal in Massachusetts for any junior operator – drivers under age 18 – to talk on the phone in any way while driving, including hands-free.
Encourage teenage drivers to speak up if they see their peers or others driving distracted just as they would if someone were driving while drunk. Additionally, parents must set good examples by not using their phones while driving.
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