Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is pushing a slew of road safety proposals from banning drivers from holding cellphones to letting police stop motorists for not wearing seatbelts as a primary offense.
Other proposals would require state-owned and operated trucks over 10,000 pounds to have side guards and extra mirrors and require the use of ignition interlock devices for first-time drunken driving offenders who apply for hardship licenses. It would also set mandatory temporary speed limits in construction zones that would double fines when workers are present.
The proposal would also treat electric scooters and bicycles the same as regular bicycles under state law while creating an advisory group to propose future changes.
More than 15,600 people were seriously injured and 1,820 died on Massachusetts roads between 2012 and 2016.
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