Published: February 19, 2008 08:36 pm         

Senate chairman welcomes debate on cell phone ban bill

CHARLESTON — Just when you thought it was safe to go on talking via cell phone and handling text messages in traffic, the House of Delegates has revived a bill that would outlaw the practice.

And if the House Judiciary-approved bill is passed by the full chamber, Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Unger says he intends to take it up in his committee.

“It’s an issue we’ve been wrestling with,” Unger, D-Berkeley, said. “The House has indicated they would move on it first.”

Offered by Delegate Nancy Guthrie, D-Kanawha, the bill was rejected last month by the House Roads and Transportation Committee.

At the time, members questioned the wisdom of banning hand-held cell phones while driving, but ignoring such common practices as putting on makeup, eating or trying to use a laptop computer in the adjoining seat.

In theory, Unger says he is inclined to support the proposed ban, which could come up for a House vote Friday.

“In principle, I think anything we can do to reduce distractions in regard to driving only increase safety,” he said.

“I know that cell phones have been one of the larger distractions in regard to driver safety. I would support anything that would help reduce distractions.”

As sent out by the House Judiciary Committee, the bill would make the use of hand-held cell phones a secondary offense, in the fashion of the seatbelt law. That means a police officer would need another reason to stop a motorist before issuing such a citation.

“We haven’t been discussing it specifically in our committee,” Unger said. “I think it’s good to have the debate.”

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com