Effective October 1, 2014 the use of a cell phone with
out a hands-free device is prohibited while driving in Vermont. Use of handheld portable electronic device is prohibited. A person shall not use a portable electronic device while
operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway in Vermont. The prohibition of this subsection shall not apply: (1) to hands-free use; or (2) to activation or deactivation of hands-free
use, as long as the device is in a cradle or otherwise securely mounted in the vehicle and the cradle or other accessory for
secure mounting is not affixed to the windshield;
(3) when use of a portable electronic device is necessary for a person to communicate with law enforcement
or emergency service personnel under emergency circumstances; or (4) to use of an ignition interlock device. Please Do Not Drive Distracted - Obey Speed Limits - Do Not Drink and Drive
Crime Prevention
Whether they are children or adults, people can easily fall
prey to crime. Crime can range in severity from old-fashioned breaking and entering to more elaborate and sophisticated cyber-crimes
that involve the use of computers and the Internet. These types of occurrences happen on a daily basis around the country
and deeply affect the lives of the victims. This is particularly true for crimes that involve money, violence or that have
the potential to become violent. Fortunately, people do not have to be victims of these types of occurrences. There are measures
that both children and adults can take to prevent crimes from occurring in the first place. When it comes to preventing crimes against
younger children, awareness is the key. Young children can be particularly susceptible to predators whose ultimate goal may
be kidnapping or sexual assault. It is important that parents teach their children how to behave around strangers and what
they must look out for in terms of the actions and behaviors of others, particularly adults. Criminals may also see children
as an easy way to gain entrance into a home for the purpose of robbery as well. Children should also be taught to be cautious
around other kids and teenagers, who may also commit crimes against them or involve them in committing crimes against others.
In addition, close friends of the family, relatives or even a parent can commit a crime against a child. Over three million
cases of child abuse are reported every year, with as many as five child abuse-related deaths occurring every day. Parents
should encourage children to discuss any concerns that they may have regarding any adult, regardless of who they are. The Internet is another
source of criminal activity that children should be made aware of. Cybercrimes can result in the theft of personal information
and even the abduction of children. Parents should teach their children how to safely surf the Internet, including what types
of websites to avoid, what information can and cannot be shared, and the kinds of emails or attachments that should or should
not be opened. It is also important that parents warn their children about interacting with others while online as criminals
often pretend that they are kids themselves in order to gain the trust of children. One of the fastest growing forms of crime
on the Internet is online scams. Because most people with bank accounts and significant amounts of money to spend are adults,
they are the most commonly targeted by thieves who wish to rip people off behind the anonymous cloak of the Internet. Nevertheless,
both children and adults need to be aware of what constitutes a scam, as no one is safe from being sought out as a potential
victim. When it comes to crime prevention and adults or older children, such as teenagers, many of the same concerns
apply. People who fall within this group must also be aware of their surroundings and the actions of others in order to successfully
prevent crime from occurring. Adults can take further measures to avoid becoming victims of crime by taking steps such as
altering their daily routines, avoiding dark, secluded areas at night or when alone, safeguarding private or personally identifiable
documents and keeping their homes, cars and other valuables secure. Even setting lights on a timer so that they will go on
or off can act as a deterrent to criminals who may believe that a home is occupied when it is not. As with children, adults
must also be cautious when using the Internet and they can take steps to prevent online crime from occurring. When making
purchases over the Internet, adults will want to make certain that they are shopping from websites that are secure and well-known
in order to keep their credit card numbers out of the hands of criminals.
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