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.

FAA Criticized for Colgan Crash Response
The Buffalo News reported today that “Government inspectors harshly criticized the Federal Aviation Administration for its response to the Colgan Air crash in Clarence a year ago, saying the agency’s effort to get airlines to voluntarily fix safety problems had not addressed the problems the accident raised.” It