Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
MADD Honors Massachusetts Officers
Posted by Cassandra in Uncategorized on May 12th, 2010
Yesterday MADD Massachusetts honored more than 30 state troopers, 45 local police officers, five assistant district attorneys and 10 local police department for their commitment to enforcing drunk driving laws. The local police departments received the Drive for Life award for holding sobriety check points in 2010. The honorary breakfast speaker this year was Chris Doyle, a former Wilbraham Police Officer. Doyle was seriously injured sustaining a traumatic brain injury among others while on duty August of 2006 when he was struck by a three-time offender at a construction roadblock. The combined efforts of this year’s honorees worked together making over 2,800 drunk driving arrests in 2009 averaging almost eight drunk driving arrests per day!
An article from the WNYT writes:
“Drunk driving is the most frequently committed violent crime in the United States, affecting three out of every 10 Americans. In Massachusetts, 124 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2008 representing 34% of all traffic fatalities in the Commonwealth.”
Taking the fight against drunk driving to another level the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles shares drunk driving statistics with the public. The RMV has also released that over 4,000 repeat drunk drivers have ignition interlock devices installed on the vehicle. Only 27 of the 1,600 repeat offenders who’ve already completed the interlock program have re-offended after the interlocks removal.
MADD is non-profit organization with more than 400 entities nationwide. MADD proclaims their mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. The organization was founded in 1980 by two mothers who transformed their losses into a national movement putting a stop to drunk driving. MADD works to provide critical emotional support for survivors, family members and friends coping with the death of a loved one caused by a drunk driver.
MADD’s website claims in 2007 almost 13,000 people died in drunk driving crashes, representing 305 of all highway fatalities in the Commonwealth. Reiterating the fact found in the WNYT article above, MADD cites the National Highway Safety Administration to estimate during one’s life time three in ten people will be killed or injured by a drunk driver. Drunk driving is NOT something to take lightly, for more information on how to become involved with or seek help from MADD please visit their website at: www.maddmass.com.
SBA Approved Loans – Flooding Cleanup Aid
Posted by Cassandra in Consumer Advocacy, Uncategorized on April 28th, 2010
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $6 million in Disaster Assistance Loans for the natural disaster survivors in Massachusetts. Frank Skaggs, director of the SBA Field Operations Center East, reported 311 disaster loans have been approved totaling $6,239,500. The Administration has been urging those those who experienced the severe storms and flooding this past March to return completed applications as soon as they possibly can. Those who wait longer to file an SPA application may find themselves with unnecessary delays in receiving their disaster assistance.
Disaster loans are available to homeowners up to $200,000 to repair or replace a damaged primary residence. Homeowners and renters are also eligible for loans to repair or replacement of personal property of up to $40,000. Business and non-profits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business property and assets .
The SBA encourages survivors of the severe storms and flooding that began on March 12 to return their completed applications, even if they have not settled with their insurance company. Waiting to file an SBA application could cause unnecessary delays in receiving disaster assistance. Those who have weathered the storms have also been encouraged to register with FEMA by phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or via TTY 800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing disabilities. If the SBA is unable to approve a home loan you may be referred to FEMA for possible grant assistance.
For more information about the SBA’s Disaster Loan Programs, visit www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
Massachusetts License Security Lock Down
Posted by Cassandra in Consumer Advocacy, Uncategorized on April 21st, 2010
Brand new Massachusetts driver’s license and ID’s have been released today with increased security features. The new cards have been put into production this week as new drivers and license renewals come through the RMV. The added security measures will help with law enforcement, banks, retailers and liquor establishments in validating the cards.The new license styles include an outline of Massachusetts that gleams when held to light. The old licenses were secured by ghost images of the driver’s picture, a kinegram or metalized optical device and ultraviolet-sensitive inks.
he Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has also required the manufacturer to set up a facility in Massachusetts for quicker delivery and to set up new jobs, the first time in over a decade they were manufactured locally.
Current driver’s licenses, identification cards, commercial driver’s licenses, junior operator and under 21 licenses will remain valid until their next renewal date. The Massachusetts registry expects to distribute approximately 1.4 million of the new cards to customers over the next year. The new licenses will be phased in over the next five years as drivers are required to renew their licenses.
IRS delays tax deadline for victims of storms
Posted by Ryan in Uncategorized on April 1st, 2010
The severe storms and flooding that have occurred in Massachusetts recently have been classified by the government as federal disaster areas. The counties of Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester fall under this classification.
Due to the severe nature of the damage caused by the storms, the IRS has extended the deadline for income taxes for these counties to May 11th. The normal April 15 deadline will still be the due date for the rest of the state.
Taxpayers in the counties listed will not be required to do anything to receive this extension. The IRS computer system will automatically recognize the affected areas and extend the deadlines for those individuals.
Mileage tax for Massachusetts drivers?
Posted by Ryan in Uncategorized on February 11th, 2010
With the current problem of roads deteriorating and state funds continuing to decline, something must be done. Nothing is set in stone, but Massachusetts is looking into a mileage tax programthat is currently being tested in Oregon. The concept is credited to Intelligent Transportation Systems in Washington DC. Scott Belcher, the CEO of the company believes their new technology is the solution to the country’s transportation problems.
The program would provide a way to tax drivers based on the amount 0f mileage driven versus increasing gas tax. If the gas tax is increased, individuals who drive gas efficient vehicles will be affected less, and those who drive standard vehicles will make up for the savings of the gas efficient cars.
The proposed program would require that all vehicles install a GPS chip that would track distance traveled. All gas stations would be fitted with wireless electronic readers to record mileage. When filling up, the electronic reader would calculate the tax and apply it to the gas bill.
Senator Brown has already spoke up against this new form of taxation but only time will tell if there is a future for mileage tax in Massachusetts.
You don’t have to settle, it’s time to shop around!
Posted by Ryan in Uncategorized on January 29th, 2010
As you may have heard, recent studies showed that coverage costs did not decrease in Massachusetts after deregulation of the market. Although an increase in insurance carriers in Massachusetts has allowed for more options, many drivers are sticking with their current plans. I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to settle for a plan you are unhappy with!
Here at MassDrive we understand that reading through multiple insurance policies is not the best way to pass time. That’s why we are dedicated to doing the work and helping you find the best insurance company, with the best coverage, at the best price, for all your needs.
No insurance means lots of risk
Posted by Ryan in Uncategorized on January 28th, 2010
It’s hard to find someone that doesn’t know that it is illegal to drive without auto insurance. On the other hand, its not very hard to find people that don’t know the punishment for not having such insurance. Penalties vary from state to state and Massachusetts has a set of its own.
In Massachusetts, law requires that all cars have insurance on them with the minimum limits of $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury and $5000 for property damage. These laws are explained in chapter 90: Section 34J of the General Laws of Massachusetts.
The fines for this crime vary but being uninunsured while driving a motor vehicle can leave you liable for a fine amount of $500 but no greater then $5000. The other portion of the law states that the offender could be liable for 1 years premium for complusory motor vehicle insurance at the highest rated class or risk in effect at the time of the commission of the offense.
The law also allows for imprisonment, if found guilty, for no longer then a year. In serious cases, both the fine and jail time can be given to the offender.
Furthermore, the Registry of Motor Vehicles has the ability to suspend the license of the driver and the registration and tags of the vehicle for 60 days.
It may seem financially beneficial to try and sneek by but as you can see, if you have to pay the price, it’s going to be a lot. By shopping around and comparing prices, you can find affordable rates that will fit your budget. Don’t wait, it may cost you your license and much more!
Should Massachusetts have a ban on text message driving?
Posted by Ryan in Uncategorized on January 16th, 2010
In a recent article in the Boston Globe, writer Derrick Z. Jackson addresses the ongoing movement toward banning text messaging while driving. Nineteen states have already set implemented bans on texting while driving and the national government has also made moves toward nationalizing the movement. President Obama called distracted driving a “deadly epidemic” and a “menace to society.” The President has already banned text-message driving for federal employees.
It doesn’t stop with the President, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says “I’m on a rampage about this, and I’m not going to let up.’’ Even the CTIA, the wireless industry lobbying group, officially supports bans on text messaging while driving. The lobbying group has also adopted a “neutral” stance on bans of all hands/hands-free communication.
The vice president for research at the National Safety Council, John Ulczycki, released a statement to New York Times regarding the matter.
“2009 will go down as the year that we got national consensus on the dangers of texting. Hopefully, 2010 will be the year we get the same level of attention, if not consensus, on the dangers of conversation.’’
A Virginia Tech study showed that texting increases the risk of an accident 23 times and any use of a cell phone quadruples your risk. Even though studies show the facts, legislation has still not been passed to ban or limit the use of cell phones on the road. A city wide ban has been implemented in Boston on text-message driving but drivers all over the state continue to face injury and death due to distracted driving.
Jackson from the Globe believes “Baddour and Wagner,” Massachusetts House and Senate Chairmen, “need to stop negotiating over outdated nuance when we are talking about the hi-tech equivalent of driving drunk.”
New technology reduces distractions while driving
Posted by Ryan in Uncategorized on January 15th, 2010
We all know that it is not uncommon to see someone on the their phone while they are driving. Texting, calling, checking updates, you name it. With cell phone technology advancing at a fast rate, it is easy to be distracted by all the features your phone may have access too. As advances have occurred in convenience and accessibility, so have advances in preventive technology. A Massachusetts company has developed iZup software that helps drivers avoid distractions caused by their cell phones.
The mobile application prevents outgoing communication and holds text messages, emails and calls while driving with the exception of 911 and a list of authorized phone numbers. The software activates at 5 miles per hour and does not shut off for red lights or traffic!
Massachusetts Mandatory Auto Insurance Laws
Posted by Cassandra in MassDriver.org, Uncategorized on January 4th, 2010
To first time drivers and auto owners the multiple insurance agencies, coverages, and state laws may seem a bit overwhelming. Starting with the very basics of auto insurance, it’s important to know that auto insurance is legally required in Massachusetts. While auto insurance may be legally mandated, the benefits an insurance policy in the event of an accident are so great you should want to purchase auto coverage.
What are sufficient limits? Massachusetts law mandates when operating a vehicle it has certain minimum insurance coverages. Taking a look at these coverages is a good start to understanding what amount of coverage you should purchase. The Massachusetts minimum coverages include:
- Bodily Injury Coverage: $20,000 per person & $40,000 per accident
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Liability: $$20,000 per person & $40,000 per accident
- Personal Injury Protection:$8,000 limit
However the minimum state coverages are rarely enough in the event of a serious accident. For example, if you’re involved in a head on collision, chances are the above coverages will not be enough for the entirety of the accident. If you are considering minimum state coverages please read the article: “Why You Need More Than the Minimums“.
When shopping for auto insurance the only way to guarantee you are getting the best price is to shop around. Many auto insurance companies offer discounts. Not all insurance companies will offer the same discounts, thus shopping around will help you find the company with the best discount combination. An easy way to do this without spending too much time shopping yourself is to utilize one of our friendly MassDrive agents. MassDrive helps you find the insurance carrier with the best fit for you, comparing quotes from multiple companies. Either way, comparing quotes may save you some serious cha-ching.
