Advocacy & Legislative Efforts

Current Work

Legislative Efforts

Road safety legislation saves lives. Safe Roads Alliance actively monitors, supports, and advocates for laws that make our roads safer for teen drivers, families, and all users.

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Road Safety Cameras: S.2344/H.3754

Speeding is involved in 33% of all traffic fatalities. Nearly 1 in 3 serious injuries and deaths occur at intersections. And in 2024, 78 pedestrians were killed in Massachusetts—up 16% while national rates declined, with 70% of those deaths occurring in lower-income neighborhoods.

S.2344/H.3754 would give cities and towns the authority to use automated cameras for speeding enforcement, red light violations, school zone protection, and "blocking the box" violations. Cameras capture only license plates—not drivers or passengers—just like existing tolling systems. Fines start at $25, every violation is human-reviewed, and appeals are allowed.

The data is clear: speed cameras reduce speeding by 20–70% and crashes by 5–70%. Used in half of U.S. states and widely overseas, camera enforcement works—and a NHTSA study confirms it reduces crashes systemwide.

Co-sponsored with Families for Safe Streets & the Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund

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What We've Achieved

Accomplishments

For nearly two decades, Safe Roads Alliance has been at the forefront of road safety advocacy in Massachusetts and beyond. Here are some of our key victories.

Massachusetts Hands-Free Law

The Massachusetts Hands-Free Driving Law took effect on February 23, 2020. Safe Roads Alliance played a leading role in the decade-long push to pass this legislation.

What You Need to Know

It is illegal to hold your phone while driving
It is illegal to compose or read texts, emails, or social media
It is illegal to watch videos or use the camera function on your phone
Drivers under 18 are banned from ALL phone use, including all electronic devices

Fines and Penalties

First offense: $100
Second offense: $250 + required distracted driving education course
Third offense: $500 (surchargeable to your insurance)

What You Need to Do

If you need to use your phone, it must be affixed to the dashboard, center console, or windshield. You cannot hold it in your hand.
Only one touch or one swipe is allowed to activate GPS or to make/receive a call.
You can no longer manually dial a phone number or enter a GPS location while driving.

What We Recommend

Program your GPS before you drive
Call or text anyone before you depart to let them know you’ll be driving
If you have an iPhone, enable Do Not Disturb While Driving in settings. For Android, download the DriveMode app.
Remember: Hands-free is not risk-free. The safest way to drive is to put the phone away and #justdrive

For more info, email emily@saferoadsalliance.org or visit mass.gov/handsfree