October Brings New Laws to Maryland Roads

The fall season has finally arrived and with it, some important new laws for Maryland drivers. There are three laws that went into effect on October 1, 2011, which are expected to strengthen traffic enforcement and close loopholes in existing legislation, according to The Washington Post. The first law updates Maryland’s texting while driving law, the second broadens drunk driving penalties, and the third legalizes criminal prosecution of drivers who cause fatal accidents.

Texting

Although Maryland has had a texting ban for more than a year, it was only considered a secondary offense. In an effort to decrease the number of distracted driving accidents in Maryland, the new law makes reading and sending text messages a primary offense, which means that a police officer can pull over a driver who is texting for no other reason than that. Drivers using GPS on their cell phone or other mobile devices and those who are sending an emergency text are exempt from prosecution under the new law.

Drunk Drivers

Another new law requires that all repeat drunk driving offenders use an ignition interlock device, which requires a breath sample before allowing the car to start. Some other drunk driving offenses will also require the use of the ignition interlock device, including underage DUI and extreme DUI (with a BAC over twice the legal limit).

Causing a Fatal Accident

Finally, a new law allows for the criminal prosecution of drivers who, through negligence, cause the death of pedestrians, bicyclists, occupants of other vehicles, and others. The actual law stipulates that it is “a misdemeanor for a person to cause the death of another as a result of the person’s driving, operating or controlling a vehicle or vessel in a criminally negligent manner.”

Maryland has taken many steps in the right direction in its effort to decrease serious injury and fatal car accidents. Unfortunately, until each and every person complies with every law, car accidents will continue to cause injury and death. If you have been injured in a Maryland auto accident as the result of another’s negligence, contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” today. Mr. Heisler is an experienced Baltimore car crash attorney and can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call today at (877) 228-4878 for a consultation.