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.

Parents Should Keep Baby Monitors a Safe Distance Away From Cribs
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued a safety alert regarding baby monitors. CPSC knows of seven deaths and three near strangulations since 2002 involving video and audio baby monitors. The monitors and cords were placed within a child’s reach.