Cell phone use by drivers subject to variety of laws in the US

Many American states have enacted a broad spectrum of laws involving cell phone use while driving, reports Toledoblade.

Some ban any cell phone use while driving, Delaware prohibits school bus drivers from using cell phones and Maine prohibits cell phone use by drivers under 21 with a learners permit.

"This is a pretty new issue," said Matt Sundeen. "Ten years ago, hardly anyone had a cell phone. Now your car can have a TV, DVD player, [and] navigational system. There's a concern among legislators who are proposing these laws that this is another distraction that drivers can't handle."

Some studies suggest that the primary problem is "cognitive distraction" - when the driver's mind is not on driving - rather than physically holding something. That distraction could be as simple as conversing with a passenger.

The Oregon legislature in 2003 considered prohibiting drivers from doing anything distracting, such as responding to events, persons, or objects inside or outside the vehicle that are not related to the safe operation of the vehicle, but those provisions were not passed.

The same Washington law that bans the use of handhelds by motorists also makes reading and personal grooming illegal while driving.

"There's a lot of bizarre behavior on the road," Mr. Sundeen said. "It's a question of which ones are most distracting and you want to prohibit."

Regine | 7:05 PM | Cell Phones while driving/flying/sailing |
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