Driving in Vermont? Put Down the Phone!

Driving while using a hand-held device is now illegal in Vermont. As of October 1, 2014, drivers may not use hand-held cell phones, music players, or computers. Drivers may use some mobile devices if they employ hands-free technology such as "Bluetooth" or voice activation. The new law imposes fines of up to $200. For more information on the new law, see: Vermont's Cell Phone Ban Explained, where you can also access links to frequently asked questions, and a guide from the Vermont Agency of Transportation that describes hand-free options for using a cell phone in the car.

Another good resource is this broadcast from Vermont NPR: The Logistics of the Hand-held Cell Phone Ban, which describes what the law allows and does not allow.

Vermont joins New York state and Quebec, it's neighbors in banning cell phones while driving. New Hampshire has a similar law that will go into effect in July of 2015. See: Gov. Hassan signs handheld cellphone driving ban in the Seacoast Online.

Drive safely.

Christopher Maley Named Best Lawyers® Medical Malpractice Plaintiffs "Lawyer of the Year” for Burlington, Vermont

Trial attorney Christopher J. Maley has been selected by Best Lawyers® as the 2015 “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Burlington, Vermont. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Maley is an active member and past president of the Vermont Association for Justice. As chair of the organization's legislative committee, he worked to help pass House Bill 62 to prohibit the use of handheld devices while driving. The bill was signed into law by Governor Shumlin in June of this year.

Maley is a Vermont native and personal injury plaintiff lawyer practicing with Maley and Maley, PLLC — a firm he founded with his father John P. Maley (who was selected for the same “Lawyer of the Year” distinction for 2014).

Source: PRNews

New England States Rank High for Healthcare

A CBS.com news story on the Commonwealth Fund's healthcare system performance scorecard rates Hawaii as the best state for healthcare "based on 32 indicators, including access, quality, cost, insurance, preventive care, potentially avoidable hospital visits, and premature death (death before age 75)."

Here's the top ten states including all New England states:

1 Hawaii
2 Iowa
3 New Hampshire, Vermont
4 Maine
5 Rhode Island
6 Connecticut
7 Massachusetts
8 Wisconsin
9 South Dakota
10 Minnesota

See entire list and read article here. More on The Commonwealth Fund.