A recently introduced bill at the state capitol would penalize drivers who make handheld phone calls on the road.
Senator Ron Sharp (R-Shawnee) presented the bill, which builds on 2015’s law, prohibiting texting and driving behind the wheel.
That bill likewise prohibits writing, checking out or examining e-mails along with upgrading social networks websites while the vehicle remains in movement.
“You see it daily,” Sharp informed NewsChannel 4. “You still see males and females texting, and you search in their rear seats and there’s their kids. You still face the issue that individuals believe they can multitask, however naturally they cannot.”
In Senate Bill 44, Sharp would make it prohibited to utilize a portable gadget for any action, including phone call.
Bluetooth and hands complimentary gadgets would still be allowed, as would integrated navigation devices.
There are exemptions in the bill for emergency situations.
“You can not put this beside your ear and drive down the road,” Sharp stated, holding his mobile phone. “When they’re on the phone, they take their hand entirely off the steering wheel they get so ecstatic, so involved with the discussion. We cannot have that. That threatens when you’re driving 70 down the highway.”
Capturing culprits, who could be penalized with a $100 fine, figures to be simpler, Sharp stated, thanks to an arrangement in the bill that helps police.
Under existing law, a motorist needs to confess to texting to be in offense.
The new bill would make it so an officer only needs to see an offense to write a ticket.
