DRIVERS risk being slapped with a hefty fine totaling up to $1,000 as officials crack down on reckless road users.
But, financial penalties are not the only consequence offenders will face as part of the clampdown.
A new speeding law is to come into force this yearGettyOfficials are toughening up penalties relating to reckless driving, as reported by The Baltimore Sun.
A new bill was signed into law and will take effect on October 1.
The legislation was named after the cop Patrick Kepp, who lost both of his legs after being hit by a speeding driver.
The driver was traveling at speeds more than 100mph.
Offenders convicted of reckless driving will be slapped with a fine up to $1,000.
And, they could end up spending 60 days behind bars.
The bill was signed into law by Maryland governor, Wes Moore, earlier this week.
Kepp lost both of his legs after being hit by Raphael Mayorga, 19.
In October 2023, Mayorga was accused of driving while drunk and cops claimed he had a track record of trying to bait officers.
“He does this intentionally to bait officers into chasing him as if this is some sort of a video game,” Marcus Jones, the local police chief, said at the time.
Mayorga reportedly clocked speeds of more than 110mph.
Cops deployed stop sticks in a bid to halt Mayorga’s vehicle, but he’s accused of hitting Kepp intentionally.
Investigators revealed that Mayorga had previously been arrested by Kepp in a separate speeding incident, as reported by the local radio station WTOP.
In April, Mayorga was convicted of second-degree assault.
The new Maryland speeding law is not the only legislation aimed at reckless drivers.
What defines 'distracted driving'?
Distracted driving claims lives every year nationwide, and it's 100% preventable
However, many drivers assume that distracted driving is limited to using their phone while behind the wheel.
While using a phone to text, call, send emails, scroll through or post to social media, and make or accept video calls is illegal nationwide, other behaviors can be just as distracting – and dangerous.
Other behaviors that distract drivers:
Adjusting the radio or GPS Applying makeup in visor mirrors Eating and drinking, as it takes one or both hands from the wheel Reaching into the backseat to grab personal items Rummaging through a purse, glove box, or center consoleThankfully, driving distracted can be prevented. Here are some proven tactics to stay focused:
Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving Mode,” as it temporarily pauses notifications, but will push a call or text through if urgent If distraction is difficult to avoid, put the phone in a safe place, like a purse, glove box, center console, or back seat If a text message or call needs to be sent or made, pull over and park Give the phone to a passenger when applicable to send a text or make a call Be a role model – practicing safe driving in front of impressionable passengers helps pass along safe behaviorsSource: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Connecticut Department of Transportation
Proposals have been put forward in Virginia to slap drivers involved in street takeovers with a hefty $2,500 fine, as reported by the Virginia Mercury.
But, passengers could also be clobbered with extortionate penalties.
Another proposal could see those who ride on roofs hit with a $500 fine.
Drivers hit with speeding convictions in the state will be forced to add a device to their cars.
The device will limit speeds and if drivers try to tamper with it, they could face jail time.
Similar policies have also been signed into law in Washington state.
But, it will not kick in until 2029, meaning drivers have a degree of respite.
Drivers risk being slapped with a $1,000 fineGetty Read More Details
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