Baker-Polito Administration, AAA Northeast and MADD Highlight Importance of Proposed Legislation to Improve Road Safety

Baker-Polito Administration, AAA Northeast and MADD Highlight Importance of Proposed Legislation to Improve Road Safety

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BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker, Registrar of Motor Vehicles Erin Deveney and Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver today were joined by AAA Northeast President and CEO John Galvin and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Program Director Mary Kate Depamphilis to highlight the importance of the Baker-Polito Administration’s recently filed proposed road safety legislation, An Act Relative to Improving Safety on the Roads of the Commonwealth.

“Ensuring the safety of travelers throughout Massachusetts is very important, and we are proud to have the support of stakeholders like AAA and MADD on this commonsense legislation,” said Governor Baker. “Our roadway safety legislation targets several areas which will have a real impact on improving safety for the traveling public including imposing greater sanctions for operating under the influence and establishing requirements for newly emerging transportation options.”

“Our bill will help reduce distracted driving on the Commonwealth’s roadways and give law enforcement new tools to better protect travelers,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are grateful for the support of AAA and MADD, and look forward to working with the Legislature to pass this bill.”

The proposals to increase road safety being made by the Baker-Polito Administration stem, in part, from discussions with members of the Massachusetts Legislature, strategies outlined in the 2018 Massachusetts Strategic Highway Safety Plan and input from key stakeholders like The Massachusetts Vision Zero Coalition and various law enforcement professionals.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is submitting legislation in order to further the public discourse about steps which can be taken to improve public safety,” said Registrar Deveney. “In particular, the Administration believes that regulations insisting on hands free driving and the expanded use of interlock devices will go far in saving lives and preventing injuries.”

“Specific actions can be taken with new regulations which will save lives on our roadways,” said Highway Administrator Gulliver. “Without question, mandatory speed limits in work zones, truck guards and additional mirrors on certain classifications of trucks will protect members of the public who are at work, driving, walking or cycling.”

“We are extremely gratified to see that Governor Baker is making traffic safety a priority for this administration,” said AAA President and CEO Galvin. “For many years, our mission at AAA Northeast has been to make our roadways safer for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and those who work at the roadside.”

“MADD is so thankful for Governor Baker’s proposed legislation,” said MADD Program Director Depamphilis. “Governor Baker understands what it takes to save real lives on the roadways of the Commonwealth and we appreciate that.  Ignition interlocks for first time offenders could save many family’s lives, since we know up to 75% of offenders drive on a suspended license.  I look forward to working with our partners to help get the Governor’s Road Safety bill passed and increase traffic safety in Massachusetts.”

An Act Relative to Improving Safety on the Roads of the Commonwealth includes proposals on the following topics:

•              Hands-free: Requires electronic devices to be used in “hands-free” mode and would not allow anyone operating a motor vehicle to touch or hold a mobile electronic device, “except to perform a single tap or swipe to activate, deactivate, or initiate hands-free mode.” The bill would permit talking, texting and other tasks to be completed by voice commands and would allow law enforcement officers to better enforce distraction laws.

•              Primary seatbelt: Law enforcement would be permitted to stop motorists for not wearing seatbelts.

•              Work zone safety: Allows MassDOT to establish mandatory temporary lower speed limits in construction zones that would double fines when workers are present. Currently, lower speed limits in construction zones are only suggestions and law enforcement cannot enforce them.

•              Side guards and additional mirrors: The proposal would require all Commonwealth-owned and operated vehicles over 10,000 pounds to have side guards, convex mirrors, and cross-over mirrors after January 1, 2020. This law would require all Commonwealth and municipal contractors to have these devices by January 1, 2022. Certain vehicle classifications would be exempt and the law grants the authority to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to grant additional exemptions, in keeping with U.S. DOT standards.

•              Ignition interlock, hardship licenses: Proposal would require the use of ignition interlock devices for first offenders who apply for hardship licenses, requiring an interlock device for a minimum of six months as a condition of obtaining a hardship license.

•              Ignition interlock, penalties for violating terms of interlock program: Clarifies the ability of the Registry to penalize those who attempt to drive after drinking alcohol, (even with an interlock device), or who tamper with an interlock device.

•              New technology: Electric scooters and other low speed mobility devices, such as electric bicycles, currently lack a specific vehicle classification. The proposal treats these new technology items the same as bicycles according to existing Mass General Law. For example, these operators, like bicyclists would need to wear a helmet if under the age of 16, would be required to yield to people walking and provide an audible signal when passing, and could not block vehicular or pedestrian traffic when parked. In addition, the law would require MassDOT to establish a micro-mobility advisory working group to propose future changes for safe adoption of emerging and undefined low speed mobility devices.

Between 2012 and 2016, 15,662 people were seriously injured and 1,820 people lost their lives on the roadways of the Commonwealth. In addition, 14 road workers were killed between 2009 and 2016. To protect those working, the legislation would allow the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to set up temporary mandatory speed limits in construction zones. To protect people walking, bicycling and using motorcycles on Massachusetts roadways, the legislation would require state-owned heavy trucks and state and municipally-contracted vehicles to be equipped with convex and cross-over mirrors and require the installation of side guards between the front and rear wheels of these vehicles to protect people from being caught under a truck and run over by its rear wheels. The bill expands efforts to limit distracted driving by having Massachusetts join sixteen other states, including all of our neighboring New England states, in requiring hands-free use of electronic devices while driving. Law enforcement would also be able to stop motorists who are not wearing seatbelts under this legislation.

The proposal corrects inconsistencies in the law for those convicted of Operating under the Influence (OUI) by requiring first-time offenders who apply for hardship licenses to be placed into the ignition interlock program and clarifying the ability of the Registry of Motor Vehicles to penalize those who attempt to drive after consuming alcohol, even with an ignition interlock device.

Emerging micro mobility technologies like electric scooters and increased use of electric bicycles present both opportunities as a compliment to current means of transportation and challenges as an industry without any existing statutory framework. As a first step, the administration proposes treating electric scooters and pedal assist electric bicycles the same way bicycles are treated under state law and establishing a multi-party advisory group to recommend more permanent policies.

MAYOR WALSH PRIORITIZES IMPROVEMENTS TO BOSTON'S TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN BOSTON MUNICIPAL RESEARCH BUREAU SPEECH

MAYOR WALSH PRIORITIZES IMPROVEMENTS TO BOSTON'S TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN BOSTON MUNICIPAL RESEARCH BUREAU SPEECH

BOSTON - Thursday, March 7, 2019 - In his annual speech to the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today will announce new initiatives and investments being made in Boston's transportation infrastructure that will help increase safety for all users of the road, ease congestion and provide more viable transportation options for residents. These investments complement the key projects identified in Go Boston 2030, the city's long-term transportation plan, and Vision Zero, the city's policy plan to reduce the number of roadway fatalities. "Making sure our residents can get around our city in a safe and reliable way is key to ensuring Boston's opportunities extend to all," said Mayor Walsh. "I'm proud these innovative improvements will significantly improve commutes, accessibility, and lives as we continue to modernize our city's transportation investments, and create options that work for everyone." Building on the significant steps the City has taken over the last several years to improve Boston's transportation infrastructure, these new initiatives and investments will further our transportation goals. They include: Lowering speed limit on city streets to 20 MPH: Mayor Walsh is proposing to work with the City Council and Legislature to reduce the speed limit on neighborhood streets from 25 mph to 20 mph. The speed limit was reduced from 30 mph to 25 mph in January 2017 as a way to improve roadway safety for people walking, driving and bicycling on city streets. Studies show that there is a direct link between the speed that a vehicle is traveling when a crash occurs and the likelihood of a fatality or severe injury resulting from that crash. At 20 mph there is a 17% likelihood of a fatality or severe injury occurring, and that number jumps to 75% at 40 mph. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted a study on Boston that showed by lowering the default speed limit, the City saw a 29 percent reduction in the number of cars traveling faster than 35 mph. The study affirmsthe importance of lowering speed limits as one of many tools to make our streets safer. Citywide education campaign on road safety: the City will arrange for a citywide education campaign that will be available and accessible to all residents interested in participating. Safe travel now and in coming years is our first priority.  In accordance with our Go Boston 2030 Transportation Plan, this campaign will serve to remind everyone we need to be more mindful on our streets. It will include safety tips and best practices for getting around Boston's streets safely using all modes of travel. Ride-sharing pick-up/drop-off designated areas pilot program: to assign Uber and Lyft pick-ups and drop-offs to designated areas. This month, the City will pilot our first pick-up/drop-off zone at Boylston Street and Kilmarnock Street. The zone will begin at 5:00 p.m., lasting until 8:00 a.m. each day. The goal of this pilot is to ease congestion caused by cars double-parking and to increase safety for passengers entering and exiting the vehicles. The City is currently working with ride-sharing companies, and both Uber and Lyft have agreed to support the City's pilot. The Boston Transportation Department will install signage to help drivers and passengers find the zones, and will evaluate the program to gauge its impact.    Pilot of new bus lanes: on Brighton Avenue in Allston and North Washington Street downtown. The North Washington Street bus lane will be in effect 24/7 inbound from the Charlestown Bridge to Haymarket. Like the existing permanent bus lane on Washington Street in Roslindale, the Brighton Avenue bus lane will be in effect Monday through Friday during AM peak hours inbound. The City will also start a community process to improve bus service on Blue Hill Avenue. MBTA Bus Passes will be provided to all students grades 7-12: whether they go to public, charter, private, or parochial schools. There are approximately 20,000 students who currently receive free MBTA passes, and this proposal will raise that number to approximately 30,000 students. This move will greatly expand access to Boston Public Schools students, particularly those in high school, who can choose from a portfolio of school options across the city. As Boston's population continues to grow, with projected growth to reach almost 760,000 people by the year 2030, Mayor Walsh has proposed transportation billsaimed at efficiently supporting residents by providing investment in transportation infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions from motor vehicles, and providing for safer streets. These bills include: An Act Relative to Transportation Network Company Rider Assessments: this legislation would add a charge to transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft operating during rush hours. This fee would be invested in local roads and transit, including improvements to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. It would also reduce charges for pooled rides and the use of electric vehicles.  There are over 35 million rideshare trips a year in Boston alone. An Act Relative to Regional Transportation Ballot Initiatives: this bill would enable a municipality, or a group of municipalities, to raise local money through a ballot initiative for investment in priority transportation projects. An Act Concerning Photo Enforcement of Certain Traffic Violations: this legislation will allow for photo enforcement for speed violations and Blocking the Box traffic violations. The proposal would also enable school buses to be equipped with cameras to capture violations when the STOP arm is deployed. Together, these proposals will equip cities and towns with the tools to make their streets safer, cut down on gridlock and congestion, and generate revenue to invest in local roads and transit. These bills are part of a broader road safety legislative agenda, which includes support of previously-filed bills related to sideguards on trucks and cell phone use while driving. In 2015, Mayor Walsh signed a Truck Side Guard Ordinance, which requires all large city-contracted vehicles to be equipped with convex blind spot mirrors, crossover mirrors and blind-spot awareness decals. These announcements and new initiatives support the work already underway to improve safety, strengthen roadway connections, reduce congestion and prioritize Vision Zero efforts. Current and recent work by the city includes: The City is working on a pilot that will respond to real-time traffic conditions on our roads. This results in fewer stops at red lights, less traffic congestion and reduced emissions from idling vehicles. Due to the increase in bicycle, pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic in the South Boston Waterfront, adaptive traffic signals may benefit traffic flow and safety in the area. MassDOT, Massport, BTD and the MBTA are collaborating on the design of an Adaptive Signal Control Technology system in the South Boston Waterfront. Last year, a dedicated bus lane was installed on Washington Street in Roslindale. On a route that sees 19,000 bus trips every day, it cut travel times by up to 25%. The City advocated for more early-morning bus service to help workers. The T piloted this service and made it permanent. In the previous fiscal year, the Boston Transportation Department retimed 62 traffic signals. In the current fiscal year, BTD will be retiming another approximate 60 locations to ensure that they work to support current demand.   The City increased parking meter rates in some of our most congested neighborhoods. As a result, double-parking violations dropped by 14% and parking in loading zones fell by nearly 30%. BTD built protected bike lanes on Mass Ave., Summer Street, Causeway Street, and Commercial Street, with more to come. Together with our partners, we brought bike sharing to more neighborhoods across the city. Last year, Blue Bikes use was up by 24%, to a record 1.7 million rides. Last month, a new water shuttle pilot launched, connecting North Station to the South Boston Waterfront. It services 700 people a day and cuts commute times by over 10 minutes. Last month, BTD launched the City's first transit team, a staff dedicated to working with the MBTA on improving service.