Senate committe passes cell phone driving ban

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The Associated Press
© January 22, 2009

RICHMOND

A Senate committee has passed legislation that would ban using a hand-held cell phone while driving.

Sen. Patricia Ticer's bill would allow drivers to use cell phones equipped with a hands-free device. Drivers would be allowed to use a hand-held cell phone in an emergency.

Law enforcement and emergency personnel would not be included in the ban.

Ticer said studies by traffic safety groups have shown that drivers talking on cell phones are more likely to be involved in accidents, even more so than drivers who are under the influence of alcohol.

The bill passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee on a 9-6 vote Thursday and now heads to the full Senate.

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Amen! This cell phone bill

Submitted by Willie_M on Mon, 01/26/2009 at 9:48 am.

Amen! This cell phone bill is a HUGE step in the right direction!

Cell phone ban

Submitted by philj35120 on Thu, 01/22/2009 at 10:29 pm.

It is about time!

Bad bill unless it includes using headset

Submitted by Curtis J on Thu, 01/22/2009 at 10:26 pm.

Bad bill unless it includes talking even with a headset because talking is talking no matter how you do it. You're still not paying attention, how many times have you see talking with a headset while driving and one hand is just flying around as they try to explain their point? I guess now if the bill pass it make it easy for women to still put their make up on while driving or men trying to shave, better yet they can now give a turn signal. You know the professional texters will find a way to by pass the law.