DPS Seeking Tougher Cell Phone Legislation
DPS Seeking Tougher Cell Phone Legislation Save Email Print
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(January 07, 2009)—While local laws in cities and towns across Texas may prohibit the usage of cell phones while driving in certain areas, there is no statewide cell phone bans on use – at least not yet.

That may change as several state lawmakers seek tougher cell phone laws.

DPS officials are assembling crash reports to present to Texas Lawmakers, that’s according to a story that aired on Belo-owned KENS-TV, the CBS affiliate in San Antonio.

While some motorists may not agree, DPS officials say all cell phone use is a problem on public roads. They argue that talking while driving, even if using hand free devices, is a road hazard and causes more accidents.

DPS officials will soon present cell-phone crash related numbers to lawmakers hoping to get a statewide ban of cell use while on a public road.

A Harvard University study revealed cell phone use while driving causes nearly three-thousand deaths in the U.S. every year.

Drivers in California are already barred from using hand-held devices on public roads.

So far, no state has banned the use of hands-free devices.
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Posted by: Driver Location: Temple on Jan 10, 2009 at 03:01 PM
As someone who drives up and down I-35 on a daily basis( about 1,000 miles a week), it is not only cell phones that are a problem. I see people with laptops, the newspaper spread out over the steering wheel, tvs in the front seat, makeup being put on, and a few other things i won't mention. It is impossible to do two things correctly at once. Not all cell drivers drive bad. People need to take the time to LEARN to drive correctly. If we ban cell phones then lets ban doing anything other than driving while behind the wheel. Also the police officers also need to not use thier cell phones. Several times i have sen an officer talking on his cell phone and not see a car or truck changing lanes and have to take evasive action to keep from an accident happening.
Posted by: Tina Location: Hewitt on Jan 10, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Today a young woman nearly ran me over with a shopping cart at HEB. She was on her cell phone, and was oblivious to the entire situation. It scares me to think of the same person behind the wheel of a vehicle. People on cell phones give the bulk of their attention to their conversations, regardless of where they are. And don't even get me started on texting.......
Posted by: Chelsy Location: Cameron on Jan 9, 2009 at 06:56 PM
LN- you are right for once I agree with someone elses remarks. If we just inforce the laws we already have then we wouldnt need new ones. What we do need though is a law for Stupidity.
Posted by: Alone again Location: Georgetown on Jan 9, 2009 at 06:33 PM
The only problem with banning cell phone usage while driving is that it will not really solve anything. If you think about it most people (even those who never drive and use a cell phone)at times will drive with one hand on the wheel while talking with their passengers. Esentially, this is the same thing as driving while holding a phone in one hand and talking with someoneon on the other end of the line. The problem comes from the idiots who drive while talking on the phone and not paying attention to their surrondings and what they are doing. These very same people that do not focus enough on driving will cause an accident no matter what they are doing! Now if we could pass a law that could somehow just ban the idiots from the road we would all be safer. I agree with the other folks on here who say if we allow the state/ government to limit the phone ussage while driving, what's next?
Posted by: Sam Bam Location: centex on Jan 9, 2009 at 06:11 PM
Since that sounds like such a good ideal than lets, outlaw eating, smoking, listening to the radio, talking on CBs and company radios, talking in general, singing, and have only one seat in the front compartments of vehicle, sure don't want someone distracting the driver. People I say enough laws and ordinances and allow people to go through live instead of putting more and more restraints on. Keep chipping at it and the rock is no longer. I understand it would be nice to help stop injuries and deaths but which is worse the disease or the remedy? How much is enough? Let's stop football, basketball, soccer, baseball, etc. After all, lots of injuries and gasoline is used up. Anyone understand what I am stating? I remember when people would laugh about seat belt law, smoking law, helmet law, and lets not forget about these homeowner organizations. Some laws good, some over the line. Some child goes bang bang with his hand on the playground and gets expelled. Give me a break.
Posted by: What???? Location: Temple on Jan 9, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Where did our freedoms go? You really want to know what the cops call the seat belt law, the license plate law, and now the cell phone ban...they call it "hmm we have probable cause." How about Channel 10 performing respectable journalism and look at the number of fatalities due to cell phone usage. Yep, let's stop that person talking on the phone and not worry about the real criminals that are plaguing our streets. I travel the highways of this country a lot, and I can tell you that there are a lot more dangerous things drivers are doing than just talking on a cell phone.
Posted by: mbd410 Location: central texas on Jan 9, 2009 at 05:57 PM
I hope they pass this because it is very dangerous...I don't care WHO you are! I work for an EMS company, and people will not pull over for you in an emergency...often because they are talking on the phone and NOT paying attention!!! We are not even allowed to carry cell phones with us, which is a good thing! IF you are going to talk on the phone, pull off of the road and stop to talk. Others' lives are at stake!!!
Posted by: John Location: Waco on Jan 9, 2009 at 12:16 PM
"even if using hand free devices"?? Idiocy.
Posted by: big c Location: waco on Jan 9, 2009 at 12:12 PM
well... when this gets passed and goes into effect, lets just see how many police officers and dps troopers stop using their phones while driving ? kinda like i cant have an in-dash tv monitor, but the police can have a giant laptop up and running in their face ? i have always been told what is good for the goose, is good for the gander..... we will see.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Top of the Hill Country on Jan 9, 2009 at 10:21 AM
It is the driver and not the cell phone that is causing the accidents. Some of these accidents would have still occurred because some people are not willing to focus on driving instead of something else. This is similar to the thought that guns should be banned. The problem is with the person using the cell phone/ gun and not the cell phone/gun itself. Most people who are focused on driving will be even more focused and careful while driving and talking on cell phones. Let's not take away any more of our freedoms and let law enforcement spend their time and our dollars protecting citizens from murder, rape, theft, etc.
Posted by: Just Me Location: Temple on Jan 9, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Isn't it a shame that we need a law for this?? I would really like to think that people would have enough since to do the right thin. I guess that is too much to ask?
Posted by: Bill Location: Waco on Jan 9, 2009 at 06:11 AM
WHY are my posts about this issue being ignored and not posted by KWTX?? Because it happens to disagree with them?? I think this law is just another way for the state to control what you do,when you do it, and to fill the state treasury. This is just one step away from the state telling you you cannot talk, listen to a radio or cd.... or.... watch a DVD!!!! Yes, I have actually seen that!!!! Someone watching a DVD while driving!
Posted by: Jessica Location: Germany on Jan 9, 2009 at 01:05 AM
Cell phones should have been banned in Texas A LONG TIME AGO! I was in a terrible car accident myself in my senior year of high school due to someone talking on their cell phone and not paying attention to the road. I was on my way back to school during my lunch break, and next thing I know, I am in a ditch from someone driving on the road with a phone next to their ear. My brand new car that I only had for a week was totaled, I had glass pieces deep in my skin all over and my friend as well, and I was close to graduating and leaving to college. I was so petrified to drive after that accident, I ended up staying in Texas because I was too scared to drive anywhere. Most Texas drivers drive recklessly alone, adding a cell phone to the problem just makes it a possible death sentence to yourself or to others. PLEASE pass the bill of banning cell phones while behind the wheel and MAKE IT A TEXAS LAW ASAP!
Posted by: hadnuff on Jan 8, 2009 at 08:42 PM
Funny how we can enforce seat belt laws, insurace laws, cell phone laws, but somehow can't enforce laws on illegals that rape, murder, and molest american citizens.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Central Texas on Jan 8, 2009 at 08:08 PM
We'll at least this law is not quite as dumb as the new attempt to tax ranchers on the methane gas that the cow releases. Stupid...but I am sure it is of course for our own good as usual.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bell County on Jan 8, 2009 at 08:05 PM
If cell phones are going to be banned then definately cigarette smoking and driving should be, and then eating and driving, and then talking and driving, and then ...I know thinking and driving. Isn't it amazing the Government always knows what's best for us. Can anyone name just one thing that the Government does right or even well?
Posted by: KATARINA Location: Wacko Texas on Jan 8, 2009 at 06:58 PM
I GUESS MY FIRST COMMENTS WEREN'T GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU AGAIN AS BEFORE YOU DIDN'T POST MY COMMENT ON OTHER ISSUES!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 8, 2009 at 06:34 PM
Talking on your cell phone while driving is ridiculous anyway - it should be used for emergencies. I say "about time".
Posted by: GooberSaysHey Location: Earth on Jan 8, 2009 at 04:36 PM
Bingo - LN said it. Wreckless driving. Ban them, I could care less. Too many idiots are on the road anyway.
Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on Jan 8, 2009 at 02:49 PM
There is already a law on the books to cover it. It is called reckless driving. Issue the ticket and be done with it. We have plenty of laws now and don't need more.
Posted by: PM Location: Gville on Jan 8, 2009 at 02:37 PM
I agree with banning hand held phones, but not hands-free phones. To me it is not any different than having a passenger in the car and talking to them.
Posted by: Doug Location: Eddy on Jan 8, 2009 at 02:03 PM
Why not bring back prohibition? How's that 'War on Drugs' going? There are some laws that will never be obeyed and this is one of them. Our lawmakers should use their time more wisely and solve real problems.
Posted by: Someone Location: Near-Here on Jan 8, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Obviously Everybody is finally getting the Point!! OUT LAW ALL CELL-PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING!!!! The sooner the better!!!! DO YOU HEAR ME NOW??????
Posted by: trina Location: belton on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:50 AM
i wish they would, i was rear-ended in belton by some old hag on her self phone in front of the belton wal-mart. she didn't even get a ticket, yet she was on her phone and she hit me from behind. she just played the wah! poor me i'm an old hag with a cell phone card and got away with it. yes, i'm still stewing over the whole thing. hag, you know who you are.
Posted by: Durango Location: third planet on Jan 8, 2009 at 10:36 AM
This is great progress. Drivers on cell phones look like zombies. I have seen countless situations where someone on a cell phone almost caused an accident. I have seen several run red lights at intersections. I drove into a gas station and could not get by this car because the driver door was left wide open and with a toddler girl standing in the front seat looking at me. A woman(I guess the mother) was standing on the passenger side of her car pumping gas, and blabbling on a cell phone while staring into the sky. She did not even glance once in the direction of her toddler.
Posted by: Katarina Location: Wacko Texas on Jan 8, 2009 at 10:30 AM
I agree that cell phones should be banned while driving, 4 years ago my daughter & I were rear-ended in a minor car accident by a young woman driving a flashy red sports car, & yes she was on the phone when got out to see if any damage had been done to either car she still had the cell phone in her hand!! There was no damage to either vehicle & my daughter was 5 months pregnant at the time, But Thank god her & the baby were also fine!! When I ripped the young woman A new one, She just stared at me like I was crazy!! I told her to next time pay more attention & she just smiled got in her car & left, Hopefully she learned something from this But, I doubt that very much! I vote for cell phone ban tenfold!! God Bless all of you who get on their cells & talk!!
Posted by: Paul Revere Location: Used to be USA on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:59 AM
Ok, then. Let's ban ALL distractions. No radio, no CB, no kids, no pets, no passengers. They all distract from driving. Truth of the matter is, it is a risky world out there. Stuff happens. Granted, some people cannot multi-task and should not jeopardize others with their careless behavior. Still, one little liberty after another is being taken from us. This is a slippery slope we need to avoid. I will write my State Representative to fight this initiative.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Anonymous on Jan 7 at 12:11 pm brings up a good point...Why ban hands-free? If lawmakers feel the hands-free is a distraction, then wouldn't talking to an on-board passenger be consider a distraction also? Are they going to ban passengers and/or conversations between driver and passenger. I rarely talk on the phone while driving but if I do, I use my speaker phone or bluetooth which allows me to keep my hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Leave it to our lawmakers to follow up a very common sense law with a senseless law!
Posted by: John E. Location: Salado, TX on Jan 8, 2009 at 08:37 AM
There is only one thing a driver should be doing while driving a vehicle, and that is DRIVING. A driver should not be nose picking, hair brushing, applying makeup, talking on the phone, changing diapers, reading a book, eating a meal, sleeping...
Posted by: JAE Location: central texas on Jan 8, 2009 at 07:38 AM
Doesnt texas already already have laws about hand-helds, and nothing has been done to uphold these laws. why spend more tax money making more laws that arent enforced
Posted by: Jr Location: Killeen on Jan 8, 2009 at 03:51 AM
Indeed people using cellphones while driving is a very big issue... I can't count the times I've been cut off, nearly ran off the road, or was nearly hit cause some person was on his/her phone... hands free shouldn't even be considered for banning because it's hands free... you still have control of your vehicle do you not? Hand held phones present a greater risk of safety and should be the main focus to your arguments and nothing else... oh and it's not just teenagers that are the culprits in this case, but adults are just as guilty as well.
Posted by: Jo Location: Waco on Jan 8, 2009 at 12:11 AM
Better yet... Charge $1.00 a minute to use cell phones whether texting or talking. THAT would help solve pretty much ALL of the problems associated will cell phone usage. People wouldn't mind paying that much if they had a real emergency. Otherwise, they would leave them unused.
Posted by: dmg Location: waco on Jan 7, 2009 at 07:51 PM
If they ban hands free phones, then what about us folks who have OnStar? Will they ban us from talking on our OnStar lines? I can see banning hand held use, but thats it.
Posted by: Sandra Location: Temple on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I'm for the ban too! But what about the idiots with a cup of coffee in one hand, a cigarette in the other, driving with their knee, and somehow still leaning over to adjust the radio?? I have seen men shaving with electric razors, and women doing their hair and putting on makeup WHILE DRIVING. Once I even rode with someone who kept turning around to holler at the kids in the backseat and we wobbled all over the road everytime she faced the backseat. Scared me to death! Thank goodness we didn't hit anyone.
Posted by: Chris Location: Waco on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:21 PM
I agree that there is a need for some additional safety where cell phones are concerned, but hands free devices being limited or not allowed? Come on. Next thing you know, we won't be allowed to talk with passengers in the car with us because it's too much of a distraction. Let's just allow the government into every area of our lives and they can tell us when to breathe and when to go to the bathroom. Have Americans gotten so moronic that we can't be trusted with some jurisprudence of figuring out what is safe and what isn't on our own?
Posted by: JC Location: out in the country on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:19 PM
I say bout time they did something on this matter, It;s my observation on many roadways people has them on the side of their ears and not even paying attention what is going on around them I say I'm all for this Ban....
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:11 PM
A ban on hands-free devices too? Why not try a ban on hand-held first? Don't most phones come with hands-free devices already? I LOVE mine and feel a lot safer using it if I have to talk and drive at the same time. I guess I can understand where they're coming from though. Some people CAN NOT talk and drive and it results in the death of others.
Posted by: Someone Location: Near-Here on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I certainly hope they pass this Law and soon!!! STOP killing people on our Streets and Highways!!!!!!!
Posted by: Kbo Location: Waco on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Thank GOD!!!! I passed a girl the other day who was trying to text and drive; she had her arms through the holes in her steering wheel and was controlling her car with her forearms. IDIOT!
Posted by: Grandma Susie Location: Lampasas County on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Oh I hope so, look at all the drivers in Killeen and Cove and almost everyone of them is talking on a cell phone driving 40mph in the passing lane, wandering all over the road, turning without signals, and running red lights. I wish they would ban them in resturants too, nothing is more irritating than having to listen to someone else having a personal conversation and using filthy language while trying to have a nice meal!
Posted by: J.O.M. Location: Earth on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:12 AM
I love my cell, which is sad, but I agree that something needs to be done about people chatting away and not paying attention while they are driving.
Posted by: Angie Location: Moody on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:11 AM
It's about time. There are too many people driving while on the phone and they do not pay attention. Swearving all over the road, not going the speed limit and there are many more reasons. Get off the phones and drive. Use a hands free set, if it's really that important that it can't wait until you get where you need to be.
Posted by: American Location: TEXAS on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:51 AM
If this happens it will be one of the most sensible thing law makers have done in a long time!If this does happen I hope they enforce it as strict as DWI Laws!!!It's just as bad!!!!
Posted by: lws Location: temple on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:38 AM
IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:24 AM
well I for one home it gets passed. I got run off the road on my motorcycle while the other person was talking on the cell phone. and they were looking right at me at the same time.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:18 AM
I hope they pass it because there are so many people who can't drive to begin with and when you add a cell phone to the mix and it gets better......Pass it
Posted by: Sue Location: Waco on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:59 AM
I agree the only time one needs to use a cell phone on the road is for an emergency. You see people driving everywhere just talking on cell phones wonder what they did before cell phones.
Posted by: Theresa Location: Waco,TX on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:53 AM
All you have to do is look around when you're driving and see people on cell phones and see they don't pay attention. Driving and cells don't mix.
Posted by: Marlin Location: Texas on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:28 AM
As a motorcycle rider, I have been almost wrecked many times by people who are on the phone. Having said that, I had to laugh.... Just last Friday, I saw a DPS Trooper driving while using the phone! And yes, he changed lanes and almost hit me on my scooter while talking. The look on his face was ANGER at me being in HIS line of travel! I don't think this law would be good. Just another way for the state to get money from drivers. What's next after this? Who knows? Maybe "No eating, no smoking, no radio, nothing except staring at the white lines!"
Posted by: Tony Location: Waco on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:05 AM
This is all good and fine as long as local and state enforcement officers are held accountable just like the general public because I see a lot of Waco PD and DPS officers talking on cell phones while driving.
Posted by: central tx Location: texas on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:29 AM
cell phones are also being used by police officers on the job while driving. this should include them. and who is paying for their cell phones?us the tax payers!?
Posted by: Chris Location: Waco on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:24 AM
As I have seen a great many people nearly cause wrecks while they talk on their cell phone and drive - it seems that many people cannot handle the distraction or cannot multi-task very well. But this isn't necessarily cause to make it illegal. I question this as it can be just as dangerous, for some people, to eat/drink while behind the wheel, talk to passengers, deal with their children, etc. Before this goes law, an in-depth comparison should be performed, if not by our often politically driven lawmakers, then by an independant organization seeking a true comparison between what actions or are causes of most of the wrecks here in Texas. If cell phones are the number 1 cause, then yes, by all means, ban them. If it is found that two or three things tie or are the cause of even more wrecks than cell phones, what do our lawmakers plan to do then? Ban those actions? Continue banning an now proven lesser cause? All I'm saying is that we and our lawmakers should think before we act.
Posted by: Rock Location: Mart on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:19 AM
This ban can't come too soon. Two years ago, I was forced to come to a complete stop on State Highway 84 in a 50 mph zone in order to keep from hitting a truck whose driver was cell-phoning. He left the stop sign with the phone completely blocking his vision in the direction from which I was coming. My wife and I were on a motorcycle, and hitting the truck could have meant instant death. At least we had enough time to react. I won't bore you with the other instances that have happened over the last 4 years since I bought this new bike, but there have been many. Driving and yakking on the phone DON'T MIX. Period.
Posted by: Yoe1966 Location: Temple on Jan 7, 2009 at 06:59 AM
Everyone thinks Texas is #1. Lets show the USA that this true & ban cells(If you are driver)from this deadly distraction.
Posted by: Ducky Location: Temple on Jan 7, 2009 at 06:57 AM
AMEN... Just count the number of folks with them in their hands while your sitting at a red light. Also notice that the weavers have one in their hand as well as those going well below the speed limit!
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