WASHINGTON-The nation’s most populous state is a step closer to banning drivers from operating handheld cell phones while behind the wheel.
The bill, approved 21-14 by the California Senate and sponsored by Sen. Joe Simitian (D), now goes to the California State Assembly for consideration. The measure, which would become effective on July 1, 2008, would impose a $20 fine for a first-time violation and a $50 fine for subsequent offenses. Hands-free devices would be permitted as would exceptions for emergency phone calls. Studies have found hands-free devices do not improve driver concentration.
New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the District of Columbia have cell-phone driving restrictions on the books. Other states are considering similar bans on cell-phone use by drivers, with some legislation specifically targeting teens.
“We know from the California Highway Patrol that cell phones are the No. 1 cause of distracted-driver accidents on California highways the last five years.” said Simitian in an Associated Press report. “We know that it puts not only the driver, but the rest of the public at risk. As long as we’re going to do it, let’s do it safely.”
The AP said Verizon Wireless, insurance companies and emergency workers’ groups supported the bill, while Sprint Nextel Corp. opposed it. There apparently is a dispute about how walkie-talkie cell phones would be regulated under the Simitian legislation.
