I want to congratulate Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, MassDOT Secretary Jeffrey Mullan, and all the safety advocates who have worked hard to get Massachusetts' new anti-texting while driving law on the books. Thanks to your efforts, starting tomorrow Massachusetts roads will be safer for everyone.
This new law empowers state police to take action when they see dangerous distracted driving behavior on Massachusetts roads. And we know that good laws--like the one taking effect tomorrow in the Bay State--coupled with good enforcement can help reduce distracted driving behaviors.
We know this from our experience reducing drunk driving. We know this from our experience increasing seat belt use. And most importantly, we know this from our experience in Hartford and Syracuse, where our pilot distracted driving enforcement campaigns are making a significant difference.
I want to thank Massachusetts' leaders for taking action against the deadly epidemic of distracted driving. And I look forward to the safer travels this law will lead to on Bay State roads.
