Georgia Dem wants to ban all non-hands-free telephone calls while driving

[TexasTowelie]

One Georgia legislator wants to make it illegal to make a telephone call while driving unless the call is made with a hands-free device.

State representative Keisha Waites, a democrat from Atlanta, has introduced a bill that would tighten restrictions on devices experts say are distracting and often lead to accidents. The legislation defines “hands-free” has a device that allows a call to be made without the user holding the phone with their hands, head, or shoulder.

The bill would do the following things:

Permit an exception for pressing buttons to begin and end the call
Make it illegal for a driver to make a phone call with any device not considered “hands-free” while a vehicle is in motion
Provide exceptions for those making calls for emergency responders and reporting an accident
Exempts public utility workers and law enforcement officials
Allows punishment of a misdemeanor with a $150 fine

Waites is currently the only signer on the bill, but that does not mean more legislators won’t join the initiative as the legislative session approaches.

Read more: http://evans.allongeorgia.com/georgia-dem-wants-to-ban-all-non-hands-free-telephone-calls-while-driving/

[TreasonousBastard]

1. That's the law here in NY.

[elleng]

2. 'Texting and phone use are leading causes of distracted driving. The law in Maryland prohibits

the use of a handheld phone while driving. This includes the writing, sending or reading of a text or electronic message. Avoid a fine and park the phone before you drive.'

http://www.mva.maryland.gov/safety/distracteddriving.htm

[handmade34]

3. good law

already in place in Vermont

[unc70]

4. Dialing is the big problem

Dialing the phone is just like texting. That exception still leaves the major problem