Robert Bongiorno
Chief of Police
2 Mudge Way
Bedford, MA 01730
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Bedford Police Report Successful Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign
BEDFORD — Chief Robert Bongiorno reports that the Bedford Police Department’s Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign resulted in more than 100 motor vehicle stops and numerous citations and warnings to drivers.
From April 8-29, as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, police increased patrols throughout town to be on the lookout for distracted drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 10 percent of all drivers between the ages of 15 and 19 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes.
Texting while driving became illegal in Massachusetts on September 30, 2010. Adult drivers who write, send, or read electronic messages or browse the Internet while driving face a $105 fine for a first offense – even if the vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a stoplight. Juvenile operators are prohibited entirely from using mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving, including making phone calls. The fine for a juvenile’s first offense is $105 and includes a 60-day license suspension and required completion of a driver attitudinal course.
“We take distracted driving very seriously in our community,” Chief Bongiorno said. “I hope that this campaign reminded drivers to stay alert and focused while behind the wheel. Our goals is always to keep residents safe.”
Through the campaign, Bedford Police issued a total of 112 citations, including seat belt, speeding, suspended licenses, uninsured motor vehicles, texting while driving and stop sign violations.
The Bedford Police Department is one of 202 Massachusetts law enforcement agencies that participated in the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay mobilization. The campaign was funded by a federal grant administered through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division from the NHTSA.
Additionally, Bedford Police conducted a Decoy Pedestrian Traffic Enforcement on April 27, where they issued 13 citations to drivers who failed to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. This was also funded through a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Highway Safety Division.
Bedford Police are also currently participating in a Click It or Ticket mobilization that runs from May 9-23.
###