Declarations

Bandit Towing

“Towing charges, which should amount to a few hundred dollars, often skyrocket to a few thousand dollars once the bandit tow truck operator hauls the vehicle away from the accident scene.”

—National Insurance Crime Bureau Special Agent Doreen Sanchez called attention to a growing problem with unauthorized “bandit” tow truck operators holding vehicles hostage for excessive payments in the Los Angeles area.

Storm Aid

“This much needed assistance will help communities still recovering from last month’s extreme snowfall and ensure that they are prepared for the upcoming winter months.”

—New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Dec. 22 that disaster aid has been made available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to counties in Western New York and the Northern Adirondacks to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in areas affected by the severe winter storm last November. Cuomo said local governments’ initial costs for recovery efforts exceeded $49 million.

Wait-and-See

“It may be beneficial for Iowa to take a page from the history books and regulate unmanned aircraft technology as needed, rather than in a preemptive manner.”

—A report issued by the Iowa Department of Public Safety says the state should take a wait-and-see approach to regulating unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, because of their huge potential for positive uses in business and government. The report, requested by the state Legislature, reminds lawmakers that light regulation helped develop the Internet and cell phones.

The Largest Distraction

“This is really an addiction problem … It has become so pervasive that it is now a larger distraction than any of the other distractions that are out there.”

—San Antonio City Councilman Mike Gallagher on the driving distraction caused by drivers using cell phones while on Texas roads. Both Austin and San Antonio, Texas, enacted bans on the use of handheld devices while driving at the beginning of 2015. Starting in February 2015, fines in San Antonio will be $200; violators in Austin will face fines up to $500.