New Distracted Driving Law In MA

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BPD PatchThe new Hands Free Law (Chapter 90 § 13B), effective February 23, 2020, prohibits drivers from:

  • Holding a mobile electronic device
  • Looking at a mobile electronic device unless viewing navigation and affixed to vehicle
  • Using a mobile electronic device unless in hands free mode

 

Evidence that the use of a mobile device was in response to an emergency is a defense for:

  • Help needed (medical)
  • Crash on roadway
  • Needs assistance (police, fire, EMS)
  • Disabled vehicle

 

Fines (* begin March 31, 2020):

  • First offense – $100 (not surchargeable)
  • Second Offense – $250 + program completion (not surchargeable)
  • Third Offense – $500 + program completion (surchargeable)


This law does not apply to public safety personnel or emergency first responders using a mobile electronic device while operating an emergency services vehicle and engaged in the performance of their duties

Statement from The Town & The Billerica Interfaith Association

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Billerica Interfaith Association and the Town of Billerica, together, would like to condemn a recent act of cowardice and ignorance. Swastika graffiti was found on a storage container in the parking lot that serves the Korean War Memorial, Little League Field, and Kids Connection Playground on Andover Road in Billerica. Breaking down communication barriers and building public and private partnerships is a part of community building. It is incidents like this that make our work much harder, we strive to improve services and encourage inclusiveness for our residents. Covering over the graffiti will be an easy task, erasing the pain and hurt caused by the use of that symbol is much harder. For our Jewish Community this symbol is an act of violence and a threat to their sense of security and well-being in our town. It is a direct attack on our Jewish neighbors and an affront to our community values.

At a time when civil discourse is in decline and violence against faith communities is on the rise, we are seeing acts that attack the values we hold central to our shared humanity. The philosopher and statesman Edmund Burke offered that,

“The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.”

The Interfaith Association and the Town seek to work within the community to educate against religious, ethnic, and racial hatred. We begin by supporting our Jewish neighbors, and working together to dismantle systems from which these hateful acts emerge.

Billerica Interfaith Association and the Town of Billerica

Billerica Police Awarded State Grant to Increase Impaired Driving Patrols

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Joins Statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Enforcement Effort

Billerica, MA – 8/19/19 – The Billerica Police Department will increase the number of impaired driving patrols on local roads with grant funds from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s (EOPSS) Office of Grants and Research (OGR). Billerica will join 140 other local police departments across the state in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization and public information campaign.
“Impaired drivers threaten the safety and lives of everyone around them,” said Chief Dan Rosa. “This grant will allow us to increase the number of patrols dedicated to identifying, stopping and removing drivers who are impaired by any substance.”
“The most important responsibility of anyone behind the wheel is to drive safely,” said Jeff Larason, Director of the OGR Highway Safety Division. “As summer vacation turns into back-to-school season, it’s important that motorists take seriously their responsibility to stay sober and alert.”

Massachusetts Data (2013-2017):
• Marijuana was the most prevalent drug found in drivers involved in fatal crashes.
• 11 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes were found with both alcohol and drugs in their system.
• 78 percent of impaired drivers in fatal crashes were men.
• 35 percent of drunk drivers involved in a fatal crash were 21-29 years old.
• The number of drivers involved in a fatal crash who were alcohol-impaired (BAC .08+) and had drugs in their system increased by 63 percent (35 to 57).
• From 2016 to 2017, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities decreased by 19 percent (148 to 120).

National Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
• Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. On average, more than 10,000 people have died each year (2013 to 2017) in drunk-driving crashes. To put it in perspective, that’s equal to about 20 jumbo jets crashing each year, with no survivors.
• In 2017, one person was killed every 48 minutes by a drunk driver on our nation’s roads.
• In 2017, almost one in five children (14 and younger) killed in traffic crashes were killed in drunk-driving crashes. Fifty-four percent of the time, it was the child’s driver who was drunk.
• Drugs were present in 43 percent of the fatally-injured drivers with a known test result in 2015, more frequently than alcohol was present.
• NHTSA’s 2013–2014 roadside survey found drugs in 22 percent of all drivers both on weekend nights and on weekdays.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects—slows reaction times, impairs cognitive performance, and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.
• Mixing alcohol and marijuana may dramatically produce effects greater than either drug on its own.

To view the Highway Safety Division’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” TV spots, or for more information about the HSD’s educational campaigns, go to http://www.mass.gov/DriveSober

National Night Out – August 6th

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The Billerica Police Department welcomes the Community to come and celebrate our National Night Out event on August 6, 2019 from 5pm – 9pm on the grounds of the Billerica Town Hall.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

We have partnered with the Billerica recreation department who has sponsored the Squeezebox Stompers as part of the Concerts on The Common series. Bay State Pallet Company has sponsored this year’s entertainer. Bryson Lang. He is a quick-witted comedian with mind-blowing juggling skills.

We are proud to announce the following agencies will be participating:
Billerica Police, Paramedics, Fire, Public Works, and Animal Control units will have vehicles on display. K-9 units from Billerica, Chelmsford, and Burlington will be conducting demonstrations.

Middlesex County House of Correction will be displaying their SWAT armored vehicle. Massachusetts State Police Air Wing will be conducting a flyover (weather permitting). Massachusetts National Guard 972 MP unit will have military vehicles on display. Billerica Police Honor Guards “GRILL TEAM” will have Burgers and Hot Dogs for sale to help purchase new uniforms and equipment for the Honor Guard Members. Billerica Council on aging will be providing FREE SNACKS.

If you have any questions please contact Lt. Commander Troy Opland 978-215-9638 or Lt. Greg Katz 978-215-9636.

Pond St to Close Week of July 22nd

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Pond Street will be closed next week (7/22 – 7/25) during the hours of 7AM – 5PM. Please seek alternate routes. Residents of the affected streets have been sent a letter in regards to how to reach their homes during the closure.

Tips for a Fun 4th

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July 4th is a time of celebration- backyard grilling, neighborhood gatherings and fireworks displays. Unfortunately, July is also peak month for grill fires, and every year, an estimated 11,000 people are treated for injuries related to fireworks. Also, more pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year.

As you prepare to celebrate, the Billerica Police Department would like to remind you to take the following precautions to keep you, your family, pets, and neighborhoods safe.

1. Make sure your pet’s ID tags are up-to-date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. Consider microchipping your pets.

2. Attend a public fireworks display and leave the lighting to the professionals. The best way to protect your family and others is to not use fireworks at home. Fireworks are illegal in MA and are a common cause of injury, fires, lost pets and anxiety for those that may be suffering from PTSD. Please be considerate of others.

3. Fire up the grill! But only outdoors and never on porches. Keep children and pets away from the grill and never leave it unattended. Only you can prevent grill fires!

4. While we know swimming will most likely be in your Fourth of July plans, never swim alone. Avoid using alcohol around water. And please, NEVER leave children unattended near any body of water.

Have a wonderful holiday!