Feb 2020 Massachusetts Hands-Free Driving Law – 4 Things You Need To Know Effective Sunday, February 23, 2020 Massachusetts newly enacted Hands Free Driving law amends M.G.L. c. 90, § 13B and states that, “No operator of a motor vehicle shall hold a mobile electronic device” or “use a mobile electronic device unless the device is being used in hands-free mode.” The statute defines “hands-free mode” as use without the user holding or touching the device except to initiate the hands-mode feature of the device 1. Emergency Use Definition: The law which applies to both operators of motor vehicles and bicycles does allow “emergency” use of a hand-held device to report that: ⦁ The vehicle was disabled; ⦁ Medical attention or assistance was required; ⦁ Police intervention, fire department or other emergency services were necessary for the personal safety of the operator or a passenger or to otherwise ensure the safety of the public; ⦁ A disabled vehicle or an accident was present on a roadway. 2. Big Fines: A first-time violation with result in a $100 fine, a second offense will be a $250 fine, followed by a $500 fine for a third or subsequent offense 3. Insurance costs … Continue reading Feb 2020 Massachusetts Hands-Free Driving Law – 4 Things You Need To Know

While maintaining workplace health and safety is a top priority for most businesses, it can be a challenge. This is particularly true for smaller companies that lack the time, knowledge and resources to appropriately address the hazards that threaten their workers and business the most. To help these organizations identify and mitigate health and safety concerns, OSHA created the On-site Consultation Program. This free, confidential service gives small and midsized businesses direct access to risk control advice. Through the On-site Consultation Program, employers can discover potential hazards at their worksites, improve their occupational safety and health management systems, and even qualify for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA inspections.   The service is offered through state governments using highly trained professionals. Most consultations take place on-site, though limited services away from the worksite are also available. In addition, no citations or penalties are issued during the consultation process.   Confidentiality is maintained during the consultation process. The consultant will only report hazard information to OSHA if the employer fails to correct an imminent danger or serious hazards.   Above all, enrolling in the On-site Consultation Program can help organizations:  Recognize and remove hazards in their workplace.  Protect workers … Continue reading Benefits of OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program 

Does Your Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars? When renting a car, the rental company will typically ask if you’d like to purchase insurance coverage for the vehicle. It’s at this point when you have to ask yourself: Do my personal insurance policies provide the coverage I need, or should I purchase insurance through the rental car company? Although standard auto insurance policies may extend to rented vehicles, you should never assume you are protected. Examining your own auto insurance policy will show you the types of coverage you already possess and where additional coverage may be needed. Since auto policies differ, it’s a good rule of thumb to contact your broker so they can help you navigate your policy and determine if you have the appropriate amount of coverage when renting a vehicle. Examining Your Insurance Policies When deciding whether or not your personal insurance will cover your rental car, there are a few different coverages you should have. If you answer yes to all of the following questions, you may not need to purchase additional coverage: Do you have liability, collision or comprehensive car insurance? Liability, collision and comprehensive insurance are the three main coverage options available when purchasing … Continue reading Does Your Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars?