9/23/2022
The Massachusetts Vision Zero Coalition stands in strong support of the Yes on 4 for Safer Roads campaign to uphold the common-sense law known as the Work and Family Mobility Act. This law was enacted earlier this year and allows qualified residents, regardless of immigration status, to obtain a standard driver’s license if they provide proof of identity, date of birth, and Massachusetts residency, as well as pass the required driver’s test. As a Coalition focused on improving street safety, we know this law will meaningfully improve road safety for everyone, and will dignify all our residents with the freedom to travel safely and legally. Voting YES on ballot question 4 in November will preserve this law, improve mobility, and ensure more drivers on our roads are trained and licensed.
Improving Mobility + Safety:
In many parts of Massachusetts, driving is essential to mobility, given the limited or nonexistent access both to public transit and to safe or viable biking and walking options in many communities. In voting YES ON 4, Massachusetts voters will support safe mobility access in our communities, ensuring that all workers and families can safely and legally make essential trips like dropping off kids at school and getting to work, medical appointments, and the grocery store.
A YES vote does all this while upholding the regulatory framework that ensures all drivers have passed a road test, bought insurance, and have a form of verified identification. The law preserved by Yes provides no further state, federal, or immigration benefits: only the ability to drive legally.
The Evidence + Support:
Voting YES ON 4 would allow Massachusetts to experience the safety and revenue benefits that many states with similar laws have enjoyed. The District of Columbia and 17 other states, including most of our neighbors, have similar laws; some of those states have had such laws in place for decades. States like California and Connecticut have seen significantly fewer hit-and-run crashes, and Utah and New Mexico have seen uninsured driving drop 80 and 60 percent respectively. In the Commonwealth, voting YES ON 4 is projected to bring an additional $5 million in taxes and $6 million from fees, inspections, and other services within the first three years.
Ensuring that all drivers in Massachusetts are tested, licensed, and insured will lead to safer roads for all of us, which is why the Work and Family Mobility Act was endorsed by a majority of Massachusetts city police chiefs, sheriffs, and district attorneys, including the Massachusetts Major Cities Chief of Police Association.
Let’s help make our roads safer and make Massachusetts a more just place. Vote YES ON QUESTION 4 on your ballot in November.
Here’s how you can learn more + get involved:
- Sign up for email updates and learn more at the Yes on 4 for Safer Roads campaign website
- Contribute to their fundraising campaign to raise money for advocacy and campaign needs
- Follow the campaign on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram