WASHINGTON-The Council of the District of Columbia has voted to prohibit drivers from talking on handheld mobile phones, following the lead of New York and a handful of towns in steering the motoring public to hands-free devices that researchers say do not improve vehicular safety.
The bill, which D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams is expected to sign, delays the driving cell-phone ban until July to give citizens time to learn about the new law and purchase hands-free devices. First-time violators can get $100 fines waived if they show proof they purchased hands-free units between the date of the ticket and the due date for the fine.
“It is time for the District to have a distracted-driving law on the books,” said Councilmember at Large Carol Schwartz (R), a co-sponsor of the measure. “Safety is of the utmost importance to me and to my colleagues-11 of whom joined me in supporting the legislation that was before us today. We’re a very densely populated city, and we need to protect our pedestrians, whether they be our residents or visitors.”
Two cell-phone driver-distraction bills are expected to be introduced at the opening of the new session of the Maryland legislature.
The wireless industry, with No. 1 mobile-phone operator Verizon Wireless as an exception, largely opposes state or national laws restricting cell-phone use by drivers.
“While we encourage the use of hands-free driving devices, they will not solve the problem of distracted drivers. A headset won’t reduce the risks of a driver who chooses to eat, tune the radio or talk to a passenger. And studies show those distractions are often worse than talking on a cell phone. Education, not hands-free legislation, will make our roads safer,” said Travis Larson, a spokesman for the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association.
D.C. City Councilmember Jim Graham (D) opposed the cell-phone driver distraction bill, arguing police resources will be diverted from other pressing priorities in the nation’s capital.
