The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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December 11, 2010

Cell phone issue may make return to Legislature

By Mannix Porterfield Register-Herald Reporter

BECKLEY — Nothing has occurred since last winter to change Delegate Nancy Guthrie’s belief that using a hand-held cell phone to talk while driving, or to engage in texting, is a major distraction and safety hazard.

That means the Legislature can expect to deal with another bill, or two, aimed at cracking down on using the devices in traffic.

Only this time around, Guthrie says she isn’t likely to be the lead sponsor, a role she undertook the past three sessions in failed attempts to get a bill to the governor’s desk.

“I may let someone else introduce it and try to run it through the judiciary committee,” Guthrie, D-Kanawha, said Thursday.

“I’ve had several discussions with some folks, but I’m not sure exactly what form it will take. I don’t know that I’ll be the lead sponsor. That decision has not been made yet. We’ll try to figure out what is the most practical approach to get it done.”

Guthrie said supporters might have to resort to the political art of compromise and target texting initially, then work on hand-held wireless conversations in separate legislation.

Last winter, the combined legislation never arose before the Senate judiciary panel for consideration. At the time, Motor Vehicles Commissioner Joe Miller appealed to lawmakers to abandon the proposed ban on the chit-chat and zero in exclusively on texting.

On this point, Guthrie is adamant.

“I can’t and won’t ever make a distinction between the distraction you have when you’re using a cell phone in your car or if you’re texting,” she said.

“I know that people kind of split hairs. But anything that takes your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel, I think it’s dangerous.”

Many motorists can attest to near misses in traffic when a cell phone user drifts in their lane or slides unwittingly through a stoplight.

“People just don’t think,” Guthrie said. “They get so wrapped up in what’s going on in their cell phone that they forget about their primary purpose, which is to drive a very large car. I have been kind of surprised at how difficult it’s been to get what seemingly should be a good public safety bill passed. I should have known that, given the amount of time it took to get seatbelts and helmets for all-terrain vehicles.”

And there’s the money angle to consider as well, she pointed out.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., has sought to reward states with federal dollars if they impose restrictions on cell phone usage while driving.

“We’re going to lose out on federal money, if it becomes available,” Guthrie said.

“Same with the seatbelt law. People in Congress aren’t waiting for West Virginia to proceed with providing money to states who have provided these kinds of laws. I’m just surprised it takes so long to get the public used to the idea that might save one of their family’s lives, or their own lives.”

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com

 

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