Hang Up and Drive
Lawmakers push for ban on cell phones, hands-free devices
Wednesday, Jul 22, 2009 | Updated 2:28 PM CST
KXAS
Some Texas lawmakers are calling for a ban on the use of cell phones and hands-free devices while driving.
A national safety group is pushing for a law to ban cell phone use while driving -- including hands-free devices.
The National Safety Council said it believes all states should pass such a ban. Some Texas lawmakers are also calling for a ban on cell phones and hands-free devices.
Dale Mulvany said he sees dozens of drivers every day distracted by their phones and not paying attention to the road.
"You're taking not only your thought away from it, but you're sitting there looking down at your keys," he said.
Several motorists said they were "all for" a ban on cell phone use while driving.
One man said he thought it was a good idea.
"If it makes us safer, I say yes," he said.
Some North Texas cities such as Highland Park require drivers to hang up handheld devices in school zones. Drivers can still use hands-free devices.
But some North Texas drivers said they aren't so eager to hang up.
"I have a courier service, and all my drivers, we all work off phones, so I don't know how we would conduct business," one woman said.
Six states have outlawed the use of handheld phones while driving, and 17 states have some form of a ban on cell phone use behind the wheel.
Posted Wednesday, Jul 22, 2009 - 2:28 PM CST
