Cell phone bill

I see where a state representative has a bill that, if passed, is aimed at attempting to further help restrict cell phone use while driving a vehicle.

My first reaction to this was mixed. I understand what Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, is trying to do but one of my first questions on this is it meant for everyone.

House Bill 2228 recently passed out of the House Public Safety Committee and is eligible to be heard by the entire House.

Ford is a former police officer so that gives credit to this measure.

According to a press release from the Communications and Public Affairs in the House, the measure would prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle while the driver is holding or using a handheld cell phone or other electronic device when the vehicle is in motion.

He noted that eight years ago in 2015, the Legislature passed a ban on texting and driving. That was the result of an accident involving a distracted driver that led to the death of Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas Dees and the severe injury of Trooper Keith Burch.

Ford said while that ban makes it illegal to text while driving, it does nothing to provide the necessary restrictions on other distractions. And he believes his bill further clarifies that a driver can’t be holding or viewing content on a cell phone when they should have all of their attention focused on driving.

He stresses the bill doesn’t prohibit the use of a hands-free device or one that plays through a car’s radio. There are also exceptions for those talking to law enforcement or other specified officials for emergency communications.

This is one of my concerns and I question how law enforcement officers are going to police and enforce this bill when many of them are violating now what this bill intends to prohibit.

Is this legislation going to allow officers, specified officials, first responders and others to use handheld cell phones just to visit when they want to while driving? What about legislators?

Ford said this bill could help save lives and while I agree with that, I believe that the ban on texting while driving is really not being enforced as it should be.

According to information put out by authorities, a recent emphasis cracking down on distracted driving produced 121 citations statewide. That’s less than two per county across the state.

I also think there is a difference of talking on a cell phone as opposed to texting on one and the latter is not being enforced liked it should be now.

Ford said the bill further prohibits the confiscation of a cellular telephone to determine a violation without the consent of the person. The measure limits the fine amount to $5 and court costs and fees to not more than $95.

I really don’t think this bill is enforceable because I think we can take a look at the ban now in place and see that it’s not working.

This legislation needs to be reworked or scrapped in my opinion.