FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Rowley Police Department Reminds Residents of the Dangers of Distracted Driving

ROWLEY – Chief Scott A. Dumas and the Rowley Police Department are reminding residents to be vigilant while behind the wheel this summer to prevent distracted driving related crashes and fatalities.

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

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.

“In all cases, distracted drivers present an enormous risk to not only themselves, but other drivers on the road,” Chief Dumas said. “Rowley Police will be out strictly enforcing state laws, and we remind residents to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times.”

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.

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