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.

Rear End Crash Denied Summary Judgment
In Borowski v. Ptak, (4th Dept. June 2013), a 3-2 decision, the Fourth Department upheld the lower Court’s denial of a summary judgement motion for defendant.
This rear-end crash was a little different than most cases. In this case the Plaintiff was the party that rear-ended the defendant.