Cell Phone Ban on Re-dial - State Journal

CHARLESTON -- State Senator Dan Foster, D-Kanawha, says he'll introduce a bill during the next legislative session that would make it illegal to talk or text on a hand held cell phone while driving.

"This is a public safety and public health issue. We're learning more about it. The statistics that have come out in just the last day or two, relating to texting in particular, were particularly surprising in terms of increased risk," Foster said.

Just last week, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released data showing drivers who are talking on cell phones are four times more likely to crash than other drivers. The Center for Auto Safety and Public Citizen sued to get the data collected in 2002.

Kanawha County driver Pamela Jones supports the legislation.

"I think it's a wonderful idea. Sometimes, when I'm driving, I just want to yell hang up the phone," she saod.

Her friend, Cassie Shry, agrees. "My step sister was in an accident with her boyfriend driving. It's just not good."

A similar proposal introduced during the last session would have allowed drivers to use a hand held cell phone to report emergencies.

I agree with Cooper. This is one distraction that can easily be stopped. No jj it is not "concerned citizens" trying to control your life. This is an attempt by our lawmakers to protect our families from drivers on the phone not paying attention. Keep up the good work Dan.

What is the problem with talking on a cell phone while driving. Is it the act of holding the phone, or the act of talking. If it is just holding the phone how many people use two hands to drive anyway. If it is talking that leads to accidents are we not allowed to talk to our passengers in our cars or sing along with the radio. I understand that texting is unsafe since the driver would have to take their eyes off the road, but I think this is another way for these so called concerned citizens to try to control my life.

I can't understand why using a cell phone while driving is still legal. Drivers should pull over if they feel they need to make a call ...any call, emergency or not.

It's about time that this type of legislation is passed. We need to do the same for ATV's - they are not meant for the highways, yet people are getting away with riding them on two lane, marked roads.