By Bob Katzen

The Transportation Committee held a virtual hearing on legislation that would ban drivers from recording or broadcasting a video of themselves while driving.

The measure does allow use of a mounted electronic device to broadcast in an emergency and to continuously record or broadcast video for the purpose of monitoring traffic outside or passengers within the motor vehicle.

Supporters noted that the bill honors Charlie Braun, a community leader who was tragically killed when he was struck by a car while riding a bike in Northampton. The driver’s attention was diverted by a FaceTime video chat while she was driving.

“Driving safely requires a person’s full attention,” said sponsor Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “Massachusetts has a strong hands-free driving law, but the law is not explicit about recording videos while not actively handling a device while driving. Charlie Braun’s tragic death calls us to action to improve the existing law to keep us all safer.”