The Buffalo News reported today that the Town of Amherst last Monday became the first Erie County municipality to pass a law that would prohibit drivers from composing, reading or sending a text message while behind the wheel. Violators face a $150 fine for each offense. It also reported that the Cattaraugus County Legislature passed a similar law in June. Niagara County and Erie County legislatures are expected to vote on similar proposed laws in the coming weeks.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration called “ill-equipped” to detect problems
The National Highway Safety Administration has “troubling” shortcomings in its ability to detect problems with high-tech electronics in today’s cars, according to a 139 page study by the National Research Council.