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.
Highway Work Zone Safety Needs Improvement
December 22, 2009
The New York Times reported today that there needs to be increased safety in highway work areas. Approximately 160 people are killed and 11,000 injured each year from unsafe conditions, just from pavement edge drop-offs alone. The steeper the drop off the more dangerous the condition becomes.