| 10/29/2009 |
Assembly bans texting while driving
The General Assembly has approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Peter F. Kilmartin and Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski that would prohibit motorists from sending, writing or reading a text message while driving.
“This is an issue that I am very passionate about,” said Representative Kilmartin (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket). “Distracted drivers pose a very serious threat to themselves and other motorists. As the number of people who own cell phones grows, so do the number of accidents we see as a result of drivers texting while driving. There is no valid argument for allowing drivers to text message while operating a motor vehicle and I am pleased that my colleagues recognize the importance of this legislation.”
Representative Kilmartin, a retired captain in the Pawtucket Police Department, first introduced legislation in 1999 banning the use of non-hands-free cellular phones by drivers after a motorist talking on a cell phone nearly hit him while he was working a traffic detail on Division Street in Pawtucket. The General Assembly, in what would have been a first nationwide, passed the measure in 2001, but it was vetoed by then-Gov. Lincoln C. Almond. Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C., have since enacted similar bans.
“The bill we passed addresses the most egregious form of distracted driving, but I still believe we should pass hands-free cell phone legislation and I will continue that fight next year,” continued Representative Kilmartin.
“This is the height of driving while distracted, and the problem is only getting worse,” said Senator Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham). “I cannot think of anything more unsafe than looking down at and typing on a phone while trying to drive a vehicle. We must stop this dangerous practice before more people are hurt and even killed.”
The legislation (2009-H5150A) (2009-S0204B) would make sending, reading or writing a text message while driving a traffic violation in the state. While such an infraction would not become a part of the violator’s driving record or be reported to a driver’s insurance company, it would draw a fine of up to $85 for a first offense, $100 for the second offense and $125 for a third or subsequent offense.
California, on January 1, became the most recent state to prohibit texting while driving, joining the approximately 18 states that, to date, have imposed such a law. More than 20 other states are considering imposing a ban.
A study by Nationwide Mutual Insurance that was released last year found that 19 percent of all drivers, and 37 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 27, text message while behind the wheel. A 2008 report by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis had similar findings, reporting that 23 percent of drivers admitted to texting while driving, with more than 50 percent of those ages 16-29 admitting to texting while driving.
The same Harvard Center report showed that 2,600 people are killed each year from driver distraction incidents stemming from cell phone use.
Under the bill, the texting while driving prohibition would not apply to a person operating an authorized emergency vehicle or motorists reporting illegal activity, calling for medical or other emergency help or to prevent injury to a person or property.
The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Shana Mancinho, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2457 |
LEGISLATIVE INFO
