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August 2009

Report: NHTSA Buried Study on Cell Phone Dangers

Two consumer advocacy groups, The Center for Auto Safety and Public Citizen believe the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration withheld a series of studies on the dangers of using hand-held cell phones while driving six years ago. These groups filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit for the documents. The results from the studies have recently been made public. Distracted driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. It is the cell phone conversation that takes the driver's focus off the road, not the hand held or hands free device.

Currently no states ban drivers from talking on cell phones and 14 states ban texting while driving. Do you think it is time to change the law and ban all cell phone use while driving?

Click Here to Vote

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Primary Seat Belt Law Now In Florida

Florida joins 26 states that have laws for primary enforcement of safety belts. The new law lets law enforcement officers pull over vehicles if they see a driver or front-seat passenger no wearing a seat belt. Prior to June 30th, authorities could issue a seat belt citation only if a motorist were stopped for another moving violation.

Currently 30 states have primary seat belt laws, 20 states have a secondary law, and New Hampshire has neither a primary or secondary seat belt law for adults, only a primary child passenger law for children under age 18.

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Florida's worst drivers will have to retake driving test

Florida will soon start sending some of the state's worst drivers back to school. A new state law will require any motorist convicted of three crash-related moving violations over a three-year period to take a behind-the-wheel education course and pass a driving test, just like a teenager. This law will take effect January 1, 2010.

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California Traffic Safety Laws Highest in the Nation

In a report released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in April 2009, California was given the highest rating in the nation for laws pertaining to DUI, Young Driver Licensing, Seat Belt Use, Child Restraint Use, Motorcycle Helmet Use, and Red Light Cameras.

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Back to School Driving Tips

With school starting around the country, please remember these few simple rules:

1. Allow more time for your commute and slow down!

2. Observe school zone speeds, and obey the crossing guard!

3. Exercise caution around school buses and ALWAYS watch for darting children!

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Newsletter archive

August 2009