Grafton PD: Less Traffic Is No Excuse For Distracted Driving

GRAFTON, MA — Grafton police have seen fewer cars on the road since Gov. Charlie Baker's stay-at-home order was issued. But police said they are seeing a new issue — the number of distracted drivers has increased.

Grafton Police Chief Normand A. Crepeau Jr. warned residents that just because there are fewer cars on the road doesn't mean there's more room for distracted and erratic driving. In his column on the police department Facebook page, Crepeau elaborated on the types of fines distracted drivers could face.

First offenders could face a $100 fine while second offenders face a $250 fine, plus mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program. Third offenders face a $500 fine, plus insurance surcharge and mandatory completion of distracted driving educational program.

Chief Crepeau offered the following tips to manage distractions while driving:

1. Turn it off. Turn your phone off or switch to silent mode before you get in the car. Or better yet, put the phone away in a place it cannot be accessed while driving.

2. Spread the word. Set up a special message to tell callers that you are driving and you'll get back to them as soon as possible or sign up for a service that offers this.

3. Pull over. If you need to make a call, pull over to a safe area first.

4. Use your passengers. Ask a passenger to communicate for you.5. X the text. Don't ever text and drive, surf the web or read your email while driving. It is dangerous and against the law in most states.

6. Know the law. Familiarize yourself with state and local laws before you get in the car.

7. Prepare. Start your GPS or review maps and directions before you start to drive. If you need help when you are on the road, ask a passenger to help or pull over to a safe location to review the map and/or directions.

8. Secure your pets. Pets can be a big distraction in the car. Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive.

9. Keep the kids safe. Pull over to a safe location to address situations with your children in the car.

10. Focus on the task at hand. Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, reading and any other activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road.