State Representative Files Cell Phone Legislation
State Representative Files Cell Phone Legislation Save Email Print
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(January 09, 2009)—Seven states, nationally, have banned texting on a cell phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Six states also have laws on the books that prohibit talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving.

One South Texas legislator wants to append Texas to both lists.

State House Bill 220, recently filed by State Representative Jose Menendez of San Antonio, would make it illegal to drive on any public road in Texas with a cell phone in hand.

Exceptions to the would-be law include first responders using their phones on the job and civilian drivers calling 9-1-1 during an emergency.

Hands-free cellular devices would not be affected by HB-220.

Reactions from Central Texans on the issue appear to be mixed.

Some say the new proposal would stop countless deaths, caused by the inattention of talking and texting drivers.

Others however say there are several valid exceptions not included in the bill's wordage.

As the bill is filed now, Texas motorists caught talking or texting while behind the wheel could face a hefty fines and misdemeanor charges.

Those fines could be as high as $200 if drivers are pulled over in a school zone.

House Bill 220, amongst others, will be considered in the 81st Texas Legislative Session, which kicks off in Austin on January 13.

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Megan Fleetwood contributed to the story.
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Posted by: momof1 Location: teague on Jan 12, 2009 at 08:58 AM
i refuse to use my cell phone while driving. i cannot carry on a conversation and watch the road.... seems weird because i can carry on a conversation when someone is riding with me but not on the phone. i learned a long time ago i am not coordinated enough to do both. i hope they do make it into law because i have been driving over 30 years changing the radio, dealing with kids in my car, smoking, eating all done safely while driving but i cannot drive with a cell phone in my ear. lol
Posted by: First Responder Location: Central Texas on Jan 12, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Keep in mind that there are occasions when the First Responder MUST talk on a cell phone in order to mitigate an emergency. The legislation should spell out that the phone can be used during an emergency response only. All other times NO. Just like with lights and sirens. The the lights and sirens are on, certain traffic laws may be broken in order to answer an emergency call. Otherwise we drive under the same rules as everyone else. And this is for ME from GVILLE. Many times in your community responders are by themselves. So the need may dictate that it is done by the driver. Hopefully it will be done with prudence.
Posted by: Responding to:Gary Location: Mart on Jan 9, 2009 at 07:52 AM Location: Brazos Valley on Jan 11, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Well said, I agree with you 100%
Posted by: Bill Location: Waco on Jan 10, 2009 at 08:27 PM
I feel like this has actally nothing to do with saving lives, or being safe.... it has to do with filling the state treasury and for taking frredom away. It is COMMON SENSE that is lacking... DISTRACTION, regardless of whether by cell phone, drinking a soda while driving, or TALKING to someone in the car have ALL been proven to cause accidents... sometimes fatal ones. I repeat my first assertion on this... It is merely a way for the legislature to add more money to their treasury....
Posted by: Anonymous Location: TX on Jan 10, 2009 at 03:17 AM
Cell phones cause too much distraction while driving. Users look like zombies drifing down the road. Ban and enforce it!
Posted by: Scooper Location: Central TX on Jan 9, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Passing such a bill will be good. The question is how will thet enforce it. They can't catch the speeder, or those who don't use their seat belts. The DPS can't catch the people who lack a current registration or inspection sticker.
Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on Jan 9, 2009 at 11:59 AM
There is already a law against this. It is called reckless driving. Why do we need more laws? Enough already.
Posted by: RA Location: Waco on Jan 9, 2009 at 11:19 AM
I think this bill definitely needs to be passed in Texas. If you really need to talk, get blue tooth or pull over. And couldn't first responders communicate with each other via radio? Why do they need to be driving and using their cell phones?
Posted by: Dee Location: Belton on Jan 9, 2009 at 08:21 AM
The bill is worth it, even if one life is saved. The Senators should double the fine for any driver under 21 and revoke the driver's license if anyone 18 or younger is caught using a cellphone while driving. Children cannot make good judegment, behind the wheel of a half ton pick-up their bad judegment can be lethal. Does this bill include OnStar exceptions?
Posted by: D.J. Location: Oglesby on Jan 9, 2009 at 08:18 AM
Driving and cell phones is just as dangerous as driving and drinking.Why are the fines and penalties not as strict?The outcome from either could result the same.Someone getting killed over neglegence,whether drinking or texting,dead is dead.
Posted by: 10-32 Location: CEN-TEX on Jan 9, 2009 at 08:15 AM
I started reading comments on this website about a year ago. There is one thing that I know for sure. Based on comments such as the ones below I can sum it up in two words. "Job Security"
Posted by: Gary Location: Mart on Jan 9, 2009 at 07:52 AM
Not only does texting and hand-held cell phones promote dangerous distraction, it's been proven there's little difference when using hands-free devices. I have, myself, witnessed incidents where people were so involved in their phone conversation that they committed extremely dangerous acts without realizing what they did. Nobody is more in favor of freedom than me, but our Constitution does NOT give anyone the right to put the lives of others in danger, and the use of communications devices while driving DOES EXACTLY THAT! ALL COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES SHOULD BE OUTLAWED WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE! (We have a cell phone; we STOP if we need to talk, and everyone else can do the same!)
Posted by: an american Location: tx on Jan 9, 2009 at 06:00 AM
NEED TO START WITH OUR POLICE AND DPS OFFICERS WHO ARE SEEN WITH CELL PHONES TO THIER EARS WHILE DRIVING. WHAT HAPPENED TO FREEDOM ? THIS IS THE USA !!YOU READ ABOUT OTHER COUNTRIES HOW THE GOV. TELL THEM HOW TO LIVE ARE WE HEADED THAT WAY?
Posted by: Me Location: Gville on Jan 9, 2009 at 04:26 AM
Nope, If they are going to ban cell phones while driving, then no one should be allowed to use them, to include first responders and law enforcement, if they need to place a call while moving then it should be placed by someone who is not behind the wheel.
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