Arizona enacts tougher penalties for distracted drivers in motorcycle crashes

Arizona has enacted HB2109 to add penalties when distracted driving contributes to a crash involving a motorcyclist. Phillips Law Group and AMSAF say the law should improve accountability and reinforce awareness around motorcycle safety.

Why it matters: - HB2109 adds consequences for drivers whose unlawful use of a portable wireless communication device contributes to a motorcycle crash. - The law targets distracted driving in a collision type that can be especially dangerous for riders with little physical protection. - Supporters say the measure is meant to raise awareness and encourage safer driving around motorcyclists.

What happened: - Arizona enacted HB2109, a new law sponsored by Rep. Teresa Martinez. - Phillips Law Group and the Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation (AMSAF) publicly praised the measure. - The law applies when a driver unlawfully uses a portable wireless communication device and that violation contributes to a crash involving a motorcycle.

The details: - Distracted drivers can face penalties of up to $400 under the law. - An additional $150 civil penalty applies when the violation results in a motorcycle crash. - Jeffrey L. Phillips, founder of Phillips Law Group, said distracted driving has caused devastating and preventable harm to Arizona families. - Phillips said HB2109 is an important step toward accountability, awareness and keeping drivers focused. - Olivia Lemorrocco, chairman of AMSAF and director of community impact for the Phillips Law Group Foundation, said riders face devastating consequences from even small moments of distraction. - AMSAF says it has spent nearly two decades working on rider safety through education, public awareness campaigns, rider training support and advocacy across Arizona. - Phillips Law Group says its partnership with AMSAF supports safer roads, greater motorcycle awareness and fewer preventable crashes. - Lemorrocco said every rider deserves to arrive home safely and called HB2109 a step toward greater accountability and safer driving behavior.

Between the lines: - The law reflects a broader push to put more responsibility on drivers who endanger vulnerable road users. - Arizona lawmakers are signaling that distracted driving near motorcycles will carry sharper financial consequences. - The public comments from Phillips Law Group and AMSAF frame the law as both a safety measure and a warning to drivers.

What’s next: - Phillips Law Group and AMSAF said they will keep educating drivers and riders about sharing the road safely. - The groups will continue promoting motorcycle safety awareness and advocacy in Arizona. - The law is now part of Arizona’s enforcement framework for distracted driving crashes involving motorcycles.

The bottom line: - HB2109 makes distracted driving more expensive when it contributes to a motorcycle crash, aiming to improve accountability and protect riders.