The House Transportation Committee recently advanced legislation that would advocate for roadway safety and responsible driving practices.
House Bill 37 would increase the fine for texting while driving to $100; make driving while holding or supporting any electronic wireless device a primary offense that carries a $100 fine; require the portion of the examination on traffic laws to contain at least one question on distracted driving; require anyone younger than 18 years old who is taking a driver’s exam is given educational materials on the dangers of distracted driving; and create a five-year optional sentence enhancement for those guilty of vehicular homicide and violation of the hand-held prohibition during the same incident.
Under the bill, a person cannot be cited during the same incident for texting while driving and driving while supporting or holding an electronic wireless device.
“While cellphones and other interactive communication devices do enable us to keep in touch with our families and work while we’re on the go, it is always important to keep in mind that there are times and places to use them,” state Rep. Rosemary M. Brown (R- Monroe/Pike), who co-sponsored the bill, said. “The best cellphone use while driving is still no cellphone use; however, House Bill 37 works to balance the use of technology while increasing this driver responsibility.”