For Immediate Release

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Randolph Police Department Reminds Residents of the Dangers of Distracted Driving

RANDOLPH – Chief William Pace and the Randolph Police Department are reminding residents to be vigilant while behind the wheel this summer to prevent distracted driving-related crashes and fatalities.

State law prohibits drivers from writing, sending, or reading electronic messages, using apps, and browsing the Internet while driving, stopped at a light, or in traffic. Operators under 18 are banned entirely from being on mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving. Those who are cited can pay up to a $500 fine and teenagers can also lose their license for up to a year.

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division recommends that motorists:

• Turn your phone off and put it where you can’t reach it before driving.
• Let your friends and family know that you’ll be driving and can’t take their call/text.
• Pull over to a safe place if you have to make a call or send a text.
• Start GPS navigation or review maps before you begin driving.
• Remember to buckle up! Seat belts are your best defense against a distracted driver.

“Distracted driving puts everyone on the road at risk,” Chief Pace said. “If you need to make a call or send a text, take the extra couple minutes to pull over to a safe area to do so. Otherwise, wait until you get to your destination. ”

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety refers to Memorial Day through Labor Day as the “100 Deadliest Days” due to the higher rate of teen driving fatalities and crashes during this time. The organization found that the top three distractions for teens immediately before a crash are:

• • Talking or attending to other passengers – 15 percent
  • Talking, texting, or operating a cell phone – 12 percent
  • Attending to or looking at something inside the vehicle – 11 percent

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