Georgia follows cell phone ban trend in U.S.

by Dana J. Hortman

ATHENS, Ga., - Athens drivers, be on the lookout for new legislation regarding cell phone bans.

With the latest restrictions going into effect in Texas on Sep. 1, many states, including Georgia, are cracking down on cell phone usage while driving.

The new Texas state law forbids the use of cell phones by 18 year olds and under.

In addition to this law, Texas also banned cell phone usage in school zones during enforceable hours unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used.

Six states including California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from talking on handheld cell phones while driving.

A recent study done by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute showed that the average driver talking or listening on a cell phone is at a 1.3 times greater risk of crashing than a non-distracted driver.

In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that cell phone usage and other driver distractions contribute to 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes.

Georgia has a law that prohibits the use of a cellular phone and other communication devices by a school bus driver.

There is one other Georgia law on distractions causing accidents.

“If a person involved in an accident was distracted by anything, cell phone, loud music, they’d be charged with a misdemeanor offense,” said police Lt. David Coker, head of Traffic Division with the Athens Clarke County Police Department.

Besides these two restrictions, no other state law on cell phone usage while driving exists.

However, a bill proposed in the Georgia legislature, House Bill 23, could change that for Georgia, which will affect Athens drivers, if passed.

The proposed bill prohibits the use of wireless telecommunications devices by persons under 18 years of age with an instruction permit or Class D license while operating a motor vehicle.

It also details the penalties for these violations such as adding penalty points to driver’s licenses and possible suspension.

“I would be more than pleased to see this bill pass. It would actually make me feel better and have a peace of mind when I am on the road,” said 18 year old Mary Grimshaw, a freshman theatre major from Marietta, Ga. “I also think it is especially good for our demographic, because we haven’t had enough experience on the road.”

Earlier this year, the Georgia House of Representatives voted and passed the proposed bill on to the Senate.

“I voted in favor of the bill because there are some classes of drivers, obviously, who need these provisions such as ones with learner’s permits,” said state Rep. Doug McKillip, D-Athens. “But, it should not be limited for other drivers.”

Though the proposed bill places cell phone restrictions only for younger drivers, many others outside the proposed bill demographic are concerned with the general population and safety issues.

“I think banning cell phones, in general, is a good thing,” said Chelsea Colgan, a junior marketing major from Statesboro, Ga. “I’ve read that most car wrecks are caused by this. They need the restrictions for safety purposes. Is it convenient? No, but it’s safer.”

Aaron Paul, a sophomore pre-dentistry and biology major from Athens, Ga., said, “The ban would make the roads much safer for everyone. Also, it would not have many implications for the social lives of people either. The call can wait until you are at your destination.”

As of March 26, the Georgia Senate read the proposed bill for a second time and is awaiting further review. The next Senate session begins in January.

To learn more about the bill and other Georgia state bill proposals regarding the usage of cell phones, log on to the official Georgia General Assembly Web site http://www.legis.state.ga.us/.

Edited by Alexis Economy/Ashley Bene

Not all Georgia drivers will be affected if the bill is passed.

(Photo by Dana J. Hortman)