[StBernard] Making cell phones illegal

[Westley Annis]

Making cell phones illegal
Posted on April 13, 2012 by adminer | No Responses
A state lawmaker wants to make it a primary offense to use handheld wireless
devices, like cell phones, while driving, meaning the police could pull you
over - and ticket you - if you're gabbing and steering. The House
Transportation Committee is scheduled to vote on the legislation Monday at a
9 a.m. hearing.

The topic may sound familiar. Two years ago, the Legislature voted to
implement a total ban on texting while driving. At the time, the state
presented data showing a link between texting and traffic accidents. As for
how things stand today, traffic accident figures from last year reveal that
electronic devices played a role in 2,788 crashes and five fatalities.

That's why Rep. Austin Badon, D-New Orleans, wants to take the ban to the
next level. His House Bill 695 would prohibit drivers from, simply put,
"using a wireless telecommunications device." Badon is expected, however, to
offer an amendment to allow for hands-free activity.

Badon's legislation specifically prohibits "talking or listening to another
person on the telephone, text messaging, or sending an electronic message
via the wireless telephone or electronic communication device."

There are already laws in place that strip certain drivers of their rights
to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle. Badon's bill repeals these
laws, and the texting regulations, and replaces them with a blanket ban on
all drivers.

Badon is also co-sponsoring House Bill 787 with Rep. Regina Barrow, D-Baton
Rouge. This bill outlines the exact same prohibitions as Badon's HB 695, but
it makes them secondary offenses. That means you could only be ticketed for
using a cell phone if another offense happens first, like speeding.

According to information released this month by the Governors Highway Safety
Association, there are 10 states that currently prohibit all drivers from
using handheld cell phones while driving. In all but two of these states,
violations are treated as primary offenses.

Barrow has another measure, House Bill 886, on Monday's transportation
agenda. It increases the maximum fine for a first violation of the texting
while driving law from $175 to $300.