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Proposals have similar intent but approach cell phone use differently
February 13, 2009
Augusta – Three State Representatives will present bills to the Transportation Committee Friday regarding modifying cellular telephone and electronic device use while operating a motor vehicle. The public hearings are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
All three bills have similar intent, but differ slightly in language. Two of the bills require use of cellular telephones and electronic devices to be hands-free while operating a motor vehicle, and one bill requires use of cellular telephones to be hands-free while operating a motor vehicle and bans text messaging while operating a motor vehicle.
Rep. George Hogan, D-Old Orchard Beach, is the sponsor of LD 40, which requires the use cellular telephones and electronic devices to be handfree while operating a motor vehicle.
“The evidence, both empirical and anecdotal, that new cellular and electronic technology is a distraction to drivers and a major contributing factor in traffic accidents, is overwhelming,” said Hogan. “The time has come to promote the safe use of cellular telephones and electronic devices by requiring drivers of motor vehicles to use these devices safely and hands-free.”
It is important to note that none of these bills bans cell phone use while driving. They promote the safe use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle by asking drivers to use cheap and accessible hands-free technology. All three bills exempt emergency vehicles, physicians, and commercial and municipal workers.
Patsy Crockett, D-Augusta, is the sponsor of LD 112, which would also require the use of cellular phones to be handsfree while driving.
“This bill is a good start. We have been trying to pass legislation for many years,” said Crockett. “It’s time we did something about the real problem of handheld cell phone use while driving,”
Description of the three proposals to be heard Friday, February 13th:
LD 40 An Act To Prohibit Certain Uses of Cellular Telephones and Handheld Electronic Devices while Operating a Motor Vehicle Sponsored by Rep. George Hogan
Summary: This bill does not ban the use of cellular telephones or electronic devices, merely requires drivers of motor vehicles to use these devices safely and hands-free. The bill exempts emergency vehicles, physicians, and commercial and municipal workers.
LD 41 An Act To Prohibit the Use of a Handheld Cellular Telephone While Operating a Motor Vehicle Sponsored by Representative Paulette Beaudoin
Summary: This bill does not ban the use of cellular telephones, but requires drivers of motor vehicles to use cellular telephones safely and hands-free. The bill also proposes a ban on all text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. The bill exempts emergency vehicles, physicians, and commercial and municipal workers.
LD 112 An Act To Prohibit the Use of Handheld Cellular Telephones while Driving Sponsored by Representative Patsy Crockett
Summary: This bill does not ban the use of cellular telephones, but requires drivers of motor vehicles to use cellular telephones safely and hands-free. The bill exempts emergency vehicles, physicians, and commercial and municipal workers.
Contact:
Rep. George Hogan, 934-0492
Rep. Patsy Crockett, 623-3621
Rep. Paulette Beaudoin, 284-6324
Kyle Leighton, communications director, 287-1433