Cindy Mahoney: Aggressive and distracted driving costs lives

Thank you for the recent article speeding drivers [“No fast fix in sight,” Gazette, Nov. 16]. Thanks, also, to local police departments for their efforts to increase enforcement. Dangerous driving has become all too common as drivers focus on their phones instead of the road and ignore traffic rules.

The MA Hands-Free While Driving Law went into effect in February 2020. This prohibits the use of any electronic device unless it is in hands-free mode. The MA Vulnerable Road Users Law, protecting pedestrians and cyclists, went into effect in April 2023. This requires motorists to pass a vulnerable road user at a “safe passing distance” of at least 4 feet.

Stop signs at four-way intersections have also become extremely hazardous as many drivers don’t follow the rules and instead aggressively and impatiently proceed through the intersection without stopping or waiting their turn. The first vehicle to arrive at the stop line, after coming to a complete stop, is the first to go. If two vehicles arrive at their respective stop lines at the same time, after both have come to a stop, the vehicle on the right goes first. Vehicles must still yield to pedestrians or cyclists.

Increased signage at four-way stops and reminding drivers of vulnerable road users may cost additional funds, but crashes cost lives. Vehicle insurance rates have increased due to dangerous and distracted driving, so slow down and put the phone down to save lives and money. When driving, ask yourself: Is using the phone or speeding worth your life or that of a family member?

Cindy Mahoney

Florence