Nebraska Attorney General Takes Aim at GM and OnStar in Data Privacy Lawsuit for Unlawful Collection of Driving Data

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska’s Attorney General Mike Hilgers has announced a lawsuit against General Motors LLC and OnStar LLC, accusing the companies of illegally collecting and selling sensitive driving data from Nebraskans without their consent. The lawsuit, submitted to the Lancaster County District Court, claims GM’s actions violate the Nebraska Consumer Protection Act and the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The legal filing asserts that GM incorporated telematics systems into its vehicles to monitor various data, including speed, seatbelt usage, driving behaviors, and geographic locations. The collected data was packaged and sold to third-party brokers, … Read more

Iowa Set to Enforce Hands-Free Driving Law and New Fireworks Regulations Starting July 1st

Des Moines, Iowa — A range of new laws will take effect in Iowa starting July 1, aiming to enhance safety and regulate local festivities. Among the most significant changes is the implementation of a hands-free driving law, aimed at reducing distractions while on the road. Under this legislation, drivers are prohibited from using handheld devices. However, voice-activated features will remain legal. Initially, law enforcement will issue warnings to drivers caught violating this rule. Beginning in January, penalties will be imposed, including fines for noncompliance. With Independence Day approaching, a new regulation concerning fireworks will … Read more

Texas DPS Boosts Highway Patrols Ahead of Memorial Day to Curb Unsafe Driving and Save Lives

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is ramping up highway patrol efforts across the state in preparation for Memorial Day weekend. This initiative, which is part of the annual All-American enforcement campaign, aims to curb dangerous driving practices and ultimately reduce traffic-related deaths. The intensified enforcement will run until May 26, focusing on seat belt compliance, restrictions on distracted driving, and adherence to speed limits. This initiative aligns with the national Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (CARE), which strives to prevent traffic incidents during peak travel times, especially around holidays. … Read more

$15 Million Verdict for Family of Victim Killed in Reckless Driving Incident Involving Ex-Bishop Gorman Star

Las Vegas, Nevada — A jury has awarded $15 million to the family of Eric Echevarria, who died in a car crash involving former Bishop Gorman basketball player Zaon Collins in 2020. This decision was rendered after a civil trial that evaluated the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident. Collins, a standout player who went on to become a junior at Fresno State, was involved in a collision where he crashed into Echevarria’s vehicle. He previously pleaded guilty to charges of reckless driving resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter after the fatal incident. In 2023, Collins … Read more