Washington Governor Signs Legislation to Ban Use of Cell Phones, Text Messaging While Driving

Comment

May 15, 2007, News Report

Governor Chris Gregoire signed into law Friday a measure that will make Washington roads safer by banning text messaging while driving.

"This is a common sense measure that will limit distractions to drivers and help keep Washingtonians safer on the road," said Gregoire. "Just as you do not want other drivers on the road to be reading a newspaper or book while driving, you don't want them to be distracted by an e-mail or a text message, taking their eyes off the road."

Engrossed House Bill 1214, sponsored by Rep. Joyce McDonald, passed the House with 90 votes and passed the Senate with 32 votes. The bill takes effect January 1, 2008.

Gregoire also signed into law a measure that bans the use of cell phones while driving unless the driver is using a hands-free device. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5037, sponsored by Sen. Tracey Eide, passed the Senate with 33 votes and passed the House with 59 votes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2008.

Comments

By Anonymous on Dec 10, 2007

They are not banning people, only objects that may be a distraction to drivers. A driver should not be doing these thing anyway. And their mistakes can harm or kill other drivers. These bans are a good way to keep the roads safer.

By Anonymous on May 22, 2007

Why not hold people responsible for their own mistakes without legislating for others. What is more distracting than children screaming or crying in the back seat. How about pets. Ban children and pets. That's the direction we are going. Bob L. Marlton, NJ

By Anonymous on May 17, 2007

The cell phone is a tangible item that everyone can see and touch. What about those who apply makeup while driving? Or the driver who is eating, reading, or watching a DVD, doing paper work, reaching over the back seat while speeding down a busy highway? Having a hands-free device does not necessary translate to safer drivers. Has anyone done a study of people talking on phone hands-free or hands-on to test attention level? I am sure the bill does not take into consideration those people who truly gets into their phone conversation. While this is a worthy attempt, the bill will serve primarily to generate revenues from fines - not safer drivers.

Respond to a comment.