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Prosecutors say Aaron Deveau, who pleaded not guilty, was texting on Feb. 20, 2011, when his vehicle swerved across the road and crashed head on into Donald Bowley's truck, killing the 55-year-old father of three. Bowley's passenger and girlfriend was also seriously injured.
Deveau, who was 17 at the time, sent 193 text messages the day of the crash, according to reports, including some just a minute or so before impact and dozens more after it. Deveau denied sending a text message moments before the crash. Instead, he testified he was tired from his dish-washing job and was distracted while worrying about his homework.
“I made a mistake,’’ Deveau told the judge, according to the Globe. “If I could take it back, I would take it back. I just want to apologize to the family.’’
One year in jail and 40 hours of community service
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The defendant, Aaron Deveau, says he wishes he could take back the "mistake." |
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Deveau was charged with motor vehicle homicide and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, using a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle, reading or sending an electronic message, a marked lanes violation, and two counts of negligent operation and injury from mobile phone use.
The Massachusetts teen, who faced a maximum of four years behind bars, was sentenced to one year in prison. He was also ordered to perform 40 hours of community service and surrender his driver's license for 15 years.
This is the first time in Massachusetts history that someone has been convicted of causing a fatal accident while texting behind the wheel.
Massachusetts’ Safe Driving Law
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"Certainly the question of texting is a serious problem," Gov. Deval Patrick said. "I am also aware that using a cell phone is or can be distracting. Hands-free is one response to that." |
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In July 2010, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed a new law that made it illegal to text while driving.
The “Safe Driving Law” aims to increase public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and hopefully reduce the number of accidents caused by texting motorists.
Additionally, the new law imposes stricter restrictions on individuals under the age of 18 years old—they are prohibited from using any mobile electronic device while driving, which includes phone calls. The law contains a few very limited exceptions for emergency situations.
Some 38 states ban text messaging for all drivers, while 31 prohibit all cell phone use by "novice drivers," according to the Governor's Highway Safety Association.
By the numbers: 5 Facts about Teen Driving
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About 54 percent of teenage motor vehicle crash deaths occur on Friday, Saturday or Sunday – with Saturday being the deadliest day of the week for teens. |
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1. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for 36 percent of all deaths in this age group.
2. Roughly 35,000 American teens have died in automobile crashes in the past five years. That’s 6,000 per year, 18 per day.
3. Texting while driving makes you 4 times more likely to cause a crash.
4. Over 90 percent of teens admit to doing multiple tasks while driving, such as talking on the cell phone, eating, playing loud music, channel surfing, using mp3 players, and interacting with friends in the car even when they admit they find it distracting.
5. An overwhelming 75 percent of teens even admit to text messaging while driving. |
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