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.

Dangerous Driving Due to Prescription Painkillers Must be Addressed Now
Impaired driving due to overuse of prescription painkillers has reached epidemic proportions. News outlets in Buffalo, Rochester, New York and Arkansas have reported on proposals of Senators Charles Schumer of New York and Mark Pryor of Arkansas to fund police training to deal with overly drugged drivers. As