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Proposed Cell Phone Law Save Email Print
Posted: 6:14 AM Feb 19, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:14 AM Feb 19, 2008
 Reporter: Brenda Bryan
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
100 comments
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Thousands of people talk on cell phones while driving, but safety advocates say the practice is dangerous.

And if West Virginia lawmakers have their way it could be costly, too.

A bill introduced by Delegate Nancy Peoples Guthrie would make talking or texting behind the wheel a misdemeanor, punishable by a $25 fine.

If passed, the law would also mean if you're pulled over for something else and caught talking on the phone, you can be fined.

The bill makes exceptions for police, emergency personnel or other government officials.

It also allows folks to legally chat and drive but only if they're using a hands-free device.
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Posted by: Forrest on Mar 1, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Why exempt law enforcement? They already speed, run stopsigns/lights and cut their friends breaks on tickets...Make the law enforcement follow the same rules as the rest of us! You want to use the phone? Pull it over!
Posted by: gee whiz on Feb 22, 2008 at 12:48 PM
People, how many times have you talked on your cell phone while driving? How many times have you had an accident while talking on your cell phone. How many times have you had an accident while engaging in some other risky behavior? There are drivers out there who manage their coffee, cell phone and makeup just fine without causing accidents. Lawmakers should not be able to pass legislation that doesn't apply to them or law enforcement officers. That might keep unnecessary legislation to a minimum.
Posted by: crissy on Feb 22, 2008 at 02:55 AM
Hey Anon: I know they take your kids but it is their idea of how you take care of them. I know 3 kids who run around barefoot in cold weather, raised by their grandmother who never knows where they are half the time,always in trouble but cps never has a problem but let the school call on someone and it is all over. The government passes laws that we dont even know about. We dont have any rights anymore. Shirley Love wanted to bring back the padlle for the school teachers but you spank your own child at home with a paddle and see what happens. The schools are a part of the corrupt government. Police officers should have to obey every law we do or be charged the same as we are.
Posted by: o on Feb 21, 2008 at 03:24 PM
My vehicle can be fixed, but my childrens bodies cannot be replaced. Think before you cell and drive.
Posted by: T on Feb 21, 2008 at 03:21 PM
This is what I encountered on I64 today as a man in a white work truck swerved into my lane. Luckily, I WASNT ON MY CELL PHONE, or I wouldnt have seen him coming. WHY didnt he see me, well believe it or not, when I got around him, HE HAD HIS CELL IN HIS RIGHT HAND, MCDONALDS CUP IN HIS LEFT DRIVING WITH HIS ELBOWS! At least put the cup down if youre gonna talk on your phone. He WAS TOTALLY OBLIVIOUS TO THE FACT he almost hit me. This is why we need this law. God forbid everyone on the road decides to talk on their cells at the same time. MASSIVE PILEUPS!
Posted by: dave on Feb 21, 2008 at 12:06 PM
This is a good law. Since most of you probably are bad drivers anyways, it makes the roads safer from gossip queens and kings who feel that telling about little bobbys first do-do in his diapers on a cell phone is more important than safe driving. Nobody should be holding a phone to their ear while driving, ESPECIALLY government officials. They drive like they bought and paid for the road themselves anyway. That's why I'm not too proud to give the bird to every moron that comes close to running me off the road because telling the little lady what you want for dinner isn't as impotant as damage to my car or body.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 21, 2008 at 09:44 AM
I dont think that it is right, I mean come on are they going to start paying are car payments. That is our freedom. I mean I dont talk on my phone while I am driving because I have a little girl. There are other distractions besides the phone. My daughter for instacne, changing cd, eating, gps systems, smoking , etc. The list goes on. I mean what else are they going to take away from us, because of the new laws. There are other things they need to worry about besides a cell phone law. What about children getting abused or all the murders the robberies,we can go on about better laws then this one. Come on give us a break!!!!
Posted by: anon on Feb 21, 2008 at 02:10 AM
hey CHRISSY....news flash....they DO come and take your children if they dont like the way you care for them.
Posted by: t on Feb 21, 2008 at 02:08 AM
I dont care what cops do as long as they are there when I need them.
Posted by: crissy on Feb 20, 2008 at 09:15 PM
The point is no one has the right to tell us what to do. The state already has control of us and our family, pretty soon they will come in and take our children away because they dont like the way we take care of them. We need to take back our country that men and women like my husband fought in vietnam for.
Posted by: Trace on Feb 20, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Come on now Peoples, you have a good point with the cell phone law but it is all about saftey, right??? Why do you think the gov, police officers or emergency workers can drive so much better while on the phone? They have more on their mind and are usually driving over the speed limit anyway, that is dangerous. Everyone and I mean everyone should be required to be hands free while driving, not just for everyone else while you still get to hold your phone in your hand, thats not fair girl.I have been in so many close calls because some idiot was on the phone and my life wasnt as important as them figuring out what they were wearing to the club that night. I have seen this in cops too, we are all human is my point, just because someone wears a badge or holds an important job doesnt mean they are a superhero and rules do not apply to them. Lets keep it safe for everyone by everyone
Posted by: RICK A KYER on Feb 20, 2008 at 06:36 PM
As for the proposed cell phone law: does the state give classes to the Gov. officials? If so I would like to attend. Are we not all equal if so why are they able to use their phones? I personal beleive that if we are to make a law that it is illegal to use a cell phone when driving that it should be illegal for everyone except emergency personel. Have the politicians forgot that we vote , if the want to pass laws that exempt gov. officials and apply to us we should vote them down to our level.
Posted by: Debbie on Feb 20, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Until they start paying for my cell phone they have no business telling me when I can use it..I talk on my phone and drive and do just fine! Why don't they go after these people that leave those bars and drive drunk Now that is what they should be doing!
Posted by: Shaniqua on Feb 20, 2008 at 04:45 PM
My baby's daddy is a cell phone. He ran out on junior. Boo Hoo : (
Posted by: Sheep on Feb 20, 2008 at 04:44 PM
If our state government is proposing it they must think it will help reduce accidents. I don't know about the rest of you, but I elect them to represent me. They know much more about this sort of stuff than I do. Check out how much the state government gets paid. Delegates and senators get paid $20,000 for the two months of work they do in the year when the legislature is in session. They get free license plates and free parking and also get their fuel paid for. Don't forget the free lunches per diem. What I'm trying to say is they are better than us so they know what is good for us better than we know ourselves. Vote to ban cell phones.
Posted by: Logical on Feb 20, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Why is everyone ready to jump onboard to support this bill? Unless studies are shown that prove a higher rate of accidents caused by cell phones I will not support further encroachments on our rights of privacy. The government already control too much of what citizens can do in a country that is supposed to be "of the people, for the people, and by the people." You people seem to not enjoy freedom. Either that or you don't need statistics to back up baseless claims.
Posted by: anon on Feb 20, 2008 at 02:40 PM
http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/cellphones/ For all those who disagree, please read this.
Posted by: r on Feb 20, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Dear Q, well for starters, look in THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE, you will find some startling details. Im sure, (since you seem to have lots of time on your hands) you can search this topic and google and it will keep you busy for quite some time. Im off to work now, with my cell in my pocket, turned OFF. You have a great day and hope you learn something!
Posted by: Stephanie on Feb 20, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Nope, John. CD player is broken and only listen to WTCR. Thanks for your concern though!
Posted by: John on Feb 20, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Stephanie, I hope you're not changing stations or skipping songs will driving and listening to your music.
Posted by: Stephanie on Feb 20, 2008 at 01:03 PM
What on Earth is so important in our lives that we must have a phone available to us 24 hours per day. I am a working mom and my cell phone is usually on my counter at home unless I am out of town for my work. We expose ourselves to this and then complain about the stress in our lives. Of course we're stressed! We never have a moment to ourselves. Use your driving time to relax, listen to some music, and, if you don't have kids, enjoy the solitude. Otherwise, use it to catch up with your family. Stop allowing people that are not your intimate family and friends access to your own personal time! Every one will benefit!
Posted by: H on Feb 20, 2008 at 11:05 AM
FINALLY! Its about time. Although the fine should be higher.
Posted by: ROB on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:51 AM
i have a cell phone and i also have on star people go buy a car with on star its all voice activated no dialing if you must talk while on the road and if you still wreck while on star will notify you been in a accident and your location no one knows your on the phone they just see you talking and think your crazy person talking to yourself
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:51 AM
I hope someone is drafting a law that you are not allowed to drive in the snow. I have seen people make mistakes while driving in the snow, rain and sunshine. I would not want to be responsible for causing that kind of accident. Oh and no going thru McDonalds because you may spill hot coffee on you!
Posted by: Gary Payton on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM
why is frontier phone service the only option in lincoln county
Posted by: Tiquan on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Oh snap! mitch just got jiggy wit it and dissed my boy dave.
Posted by: Jessie on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:30 AM
I think it is a good idea but think it should apply to the police etc.. also. Maybe it would stop all the mom's picking up their kids from school from driving into the parking lot with the cell phone attached to their ear. What also kills me is that they don't even get off the phone when getting their kids. What's so important that can't wait until you get home. A neighbor of mine, their 16yr daughter got her driver license, a new car and a new cell phone. First week of having her license she got into a serious wreck while talking on the cell phone. Get off the phone and pay attention to the road and the vehicles on it!
Posted by: mitch on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:03 AM
dave, i don't think you'd be exempt from the law...
Posted by: dave on Feb 20, 2008 at 09:06 AM
should have done this years ago. Now if only they can propose a "moron" law that bans idiots from driving...... Then there would be no one driving but me.....
Posted by: Anon on Feb 20, 2008 at 08:48 AM
I know a teenager that was in a really bad accident a year ago. They were texting on the phone and hit a concrete truck head on. He almost died and will be crippled for life now. But I guess he didn't learn his lesson because I have passed him and he is always talking on his cell phone while driving. If you ask me cell phone are really bad. They invade your privacy by allowing people access to you 24/7. Not only do people need to be safe they also need "down time" away from others. Teenagers call each other all hours of the night because their parents can't hear the phone ringing. It allows young women to be harrassed and stalked. Cell phones are dangerous in more ways than one!!!!
Posted by: BillB on Feb 20, 2008 at 06:30 AM
To Lots of You:I like the police. I have have never gotten a ticket if I wasen't brakeing the law.
Posted by: travis on Feb 20, 2008 at 05:14 AM
I agree with the last guy. The cops already think they are above the law. They go 85-90 in a 65 zone, but give us tickets for 75. Same for our already scandalous politicians, ugh hmm, goverenment officials. We need to take their phones so they can actually do something for the city, county, state, and the U.S. as a whole. The work hard and campaign hard to get into office, then they are a bunch of do nothings. Oh, and it doesn't matter if its a democrat or republican. The party system does nothing but hurt our government. We need to vote for people and their ideas not their party. As for cell phones, PUT EM DOWN!
Posted by: q on Feb 20, 2008 at 01:40 AM
r, I would be very interested in seeing any of the studies that you have researched on the subject. I have been in contact with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and they are unaware of this information. Please tell me you are not trying to pass off your opinion as fact to the public to further your own agenda. Are you really a cop who wants others banned from using their cell phones while you are still allowed to do so? Is your master plan to taunt us by making us feel less important since you have a cell phone and we are without? I have contacted various cell phone providers and we are planning to promote an entire day by having cell phone users across the state drive while talking on their cell phones and also eating a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken to prove that cell phones do not negatively affect driver safety. If you are against this bill please use your cell phones and eat Kentucky Fried Chicken while driving this Friday Feb. 22nd.
Posted by: matt t. on Feb 20, 2008 at 12:47 AM
im for the law but i dont think it is ok for cops to be able to talk on there phones either. huntington police are horrible for it. every time i see a cop in the city of huntington, if they are NOT turning there lights on just to go through a red light they are jacking ther jaws on a cell phone! if im laying in a ditch dead somewhere i would hate to think a policeman wouldnt here the radio of the emergency over bein on the phone to kill the time of there shift!
Posted by: to on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Okay, lets all be honest. How many times have you been in the fast lane, stuck behind someone going 15 miles UNDER the limit, (Buckeyes excluded, they always drive this way) only to find (when you finally get to pass them) they are so involved in their conversation, they have NO CLUE they are surrounded by cars. I always honk my horn as I pass hoping to wake them up, but I bet they dont hear that either...
Posted by: r on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Posted by: q on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:39 PM r ain't too bright. can't chew gum and breath at the same time. My response to this is: At least Im smart enough to know I dont want to live with the regret of knowing I caused an accident and possibly a death of an innocent person all because I chose to talk and drive. Studies prove your response time is much slower when you are on your cell phone, not to mention the distraction in general. I will continue to choose the safest way to drive, thank you. Hypothetically, if one has a wreck because they were on their cell, how many times are you going to say to yourself, "If only I had been paying more attention." Well, you could have if you were focused on the road, not your phone conversation. Not to mention the horror of the person on the other end when you scream and crash....
Posted by: Michele on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:25 PM
I am for the law...I know that I become distracted while on my phone, and Ive seen other people distracted as well....But I also see the point about its no more distracting than talking to a passenger or listening to the radio....All phones should be required to have bluetooth...that way you can just have that lil thingy in your ear and talk away as if the person was just a passenger...
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:03 PM
They need pulled over for being in the phone period. This shouldnt be just cause something else happened. Im tired of getting cut off and then some fool slows down cause they are on the phone trying to look important.
Posted by: kevin on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Hey Rose you can't count the time you have almost been rear ended or side swiped? sounds like you may be an accident waiting to happen.
Posted by: mad on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:16 PM
ok young kid! Your not a good driver until you have drove for 5 years accident free! At least that's what AAA tells us! Just don't do it! I am guilty and I reach a destination and stop and think I don't remember how i got here! It happens to many of us! We all should pratice safer driving pratices! I like the nationwide add on tv right not what tells us to act like we are in each others home instead of like we are all in each others way!
Posted by: Just a thought on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I think that this is crazy. I understand that some people get distracted when messing with their phones...dialing out for instance. BUT..i dont see how talking on the phone is any more distracting than talking to a passengers. 98% of the people I know drive one handed most of the time anyway. Whats next...a law that states if the cop doesnt see both your hands on the wheel at any given time is cause for a fine!? I have been in plenty of near misses in my car, but never have i seen someone talking on the phone during these. They just made a stupid mistake. do i ever feel the need to call the cops and say...be on the look out for this car..the person driving is an idiot...NO. Only when they are clearly under the influence of SOMETHING! I agree with the poster who said lets see an unbiased study on the number of cell phone induced accidents!
Posted by: Agree! on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Anyone who is objecting this law is one of the idiots that is eventually going to wreck into a innocent individual and take a life. Just today I was sitting at the red light on Jefferson Rd and some lady was just yacking away on her phone through the red, green arrow, yellow and red again. People was blowing their horns and she just sat there like a rere. Finally the next green she went and drove literally 15 mph down Jefferson Rd. finally pulling off at the IGA in Davis Creek. Just crazy. Talk at home! Or I have an even better idea. Since your out and driving around stop by the persons house whom you are talking to , in person conversations are 100% better than over the fun. Be considerate people!
Posted by: dianna on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:01 PM
then i guess smoking and drinking soda,water,etc should fall into the same catergory ,,what about the motheres,fathers who have car loads of childrenn,,where do we live again in u.s. or russia
Posted by: Archie on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:48 PM
I was sitting at a red light and talking on the phone and some old geezer started honking his horn and gesturing toward me. I wasn't driving erratically and haven't had an accident in 15 years of driving. I guess he'd heard all the rumors about cell phones causing accidents. Distractions cause accidents. If you aren't distracted (not paying attention to the road) while talking on a cell phone no one should care.
Posted by: q on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:39 PM
r ain't too bright. can't chew gum and breath at the same time.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:16 PM
i dont think its the cell phone...its the people behind the wheel..i am a young kid who talks on the cell phone all the time..and i do just fine. some people can do it and some cant..why punish the ones who can?
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:07 PM
I THINK THIS IS A GOOD LAW. MOST OF THE TIME I PULL OVER WHEN I GET A CALL ANYWAYS. I DO THINK IT SHOULD GO FOR EVERYONE NOT JUST REGULAR PEOPLE. WE CAN'T HAVE A LAW THAT ONLY EFFECTS CERTAIN PEOPLE THATS NOT RIGHT.
Posted by: BobSOWV on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Melvin, if your on this site much you will see that the majority of the participants HATE the Police. I don't understand it. It really bothers me and I hope Im not the only one that it disturbs
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:35 PM
I know about cop's on the cell phone's .My daughter went threw a yellow light and the cop saw her but guess what he was on his phone but he took time to come after her ,he ran a redlight and almost cause a car to hit him ,is this stupid or what ,this happen in Ashland ,watch out if your driving there .They can do what ever they want .
Posted by: bigmama on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:30 PM
I have a cell phone for emergencies because my husband had open heart surgery in September 2006. He can call me if he needs anything. Also, if my kids are with me then they answer it,but if I am alone then I answer it and see who it is then put it on speaker.
Posted by: bigmama on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:27 PM
I have a cell phone for emergencies because my husband had open heart surgery in September 2006. He can call me if he needs anything. If my kids are with me they answer it for me, but if I am alone I answer it then put it on speaker.
Posted by: Rob on Feb 19, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Great Idea!! I was hit by a person talking on a cell phone. If she would not have rear ended me she would went through a red light and caused a major accident.Make the fine higher.The people who say they can do both are only fooling themselves.
Posted by: kevin maynard on Feb 19, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Why should police, emergency personal or other government official be any diffrent? Next law makers will be trying to tell us what kind of car to buy. I've got an Idea how about focusing on drunk/doped drivers that would make the roads alot safer.
Posted by: Rose on Feb 19, 2008 at 06:00 PM
I can't count the number of times I've almost been rear-ended or sideswiped because some fool was paying more attention to their phone than the road. I say that if someone is caught using a cell phone while driving, confiscate the phone. That'll get those idiots where it hurts.
Posted by: r on Feb 19, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Bluetooth is not the solution... I can drive down the road with one hand just fine. But you engage my brain in conversation on the phone and Im not gonna pay much attention to the road. Thats just me. Your driving is impaired just like being on drugs.
Posted by: t on Feb 19, 2008 at 05:43 PM
I dont mind when I see cops talking on their cells because this means they cant possibly be paying attention to their radar and dont really care if Im speeding! Talk all ya want law enforcement!
Posted by: Unneeded on Feb 19, 2008 at 05:22 PM
A law we don't need. If the person is talking on the phone and is distracted to the point of swerving or other traffic violations the cops can pull them over already. No need to punish those who can talk on phones without being distracted.
Posted by: Ron on Feb 19, 2008 at 04:30 PM
Wonderful idea! Should have been sooner
Posted by: tim on Feb 19, 2008 at 04:18 PM
i think thats agreat idea,but what ever happened to lead by example?if its passed for one it should be for all,including officials.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 19, 2008 at 03:59 PM
I agree if it is going to be a law it should apply to everyone not just some people. Anyone can cause a wreck. If you need to talk on your phone get the hand free devises or just simply PULL OVER. I was almost in a bad car wreck b/c someone in the other car did not see me because they were just to busy on the phone. I do have a cell phone and I have my friends and family that call me while I am driving, but I tell them I will call them back when I get home or when I have my car stopped. I was al ready in one bad accident that almost took my life I dont need another one for careless people that rather talk on the phone then pay attion to the road!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 19, 2008 at 03:47 PM
I think that if cell phones are a distraction, then so is smoking!
Posted by: Richard on Feb 19, 2008 at 03:26 PM
So $25 is all a life is worth? Make the crime punishable no less than $1000
Posted by: PI on Feb 19, 2008 at 02:56 PM
It is called buy a bluetooth ear piece! Simple solution.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 19, 2008 at 01:57 PM
I think this should be a law that EVERY state passes & should include EVERYONE!!! I have barely escaped accidents many times by people talking on cellphones while driving & not keeping their minds on their driving!
Posted by: Anonymus on Feb 19, 2008 at 01:38 PM
There are some people that can talk for a short time on the phone and be ok but it is hard to drive a stick shift and pay attention to the conversation and the road. Alot of people are driving and talking on cell phones and not paying attention to the roads and having more accidents so I do think it is a good idea. But police are always talking on the phones so they should also use the earpiece as well.
Posted by: Anon123 on Feb 19, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Oh this should make some people mad... I drive with one hand holding my phone, a cigarette in the other hand leaving only my knee available for the steering wheel. Oh and I don't want to forget to mention that im driving a stick shift. I do just fine.
Posted by: ds on Feb 19, 2008 at 01:27 PM
anyone driving should not be doing anything that can a distraction and possibly cause an accident. using a cell phone, applying makeup, eating...it's all a distraction and keeps a person's focus off of the road. a lot of people lack common sense when they're behind the wheel and i wish the fine was $100 instead. $25 doesn't seem high enough for the damage they can potentially do. and for the comment about kids yapping in the back seat, you can speak to your child(ren) without turning around. we did the same to our parents. remember that?
Posted by: melvin on Feb 19, 2008 at 01:24 PM
What do you guys have against cops?
Posted by: mg on Feb 19, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Cell phones are annoying and distracting everywhere. I even see people using them while on the toilet. I was standing in line at a service desk and the woman in front of me couldn't even hang up long enough to talk to the service desk employee. This is rude. I don't understand why everyone must have a cell phone to their ear. Get off of the phone and tend to business, that goes for driving, shopping and yes going to the rest room.
Posted by: Jim on Feb 19, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Wow!!! I almost had a wreck reading this news story on my blacberry while I was driving. Thanks for helping me see the error of my ways. LOL
Posted by: Cindy on Feb 19, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Any law that doesn't apply to police and govt. officials is probably a bad law. There are few circumstances with legitimate exceptions. Emergency personnel and police have their own communication systems, making use of cell phones on the job unnecessary. Personal phone calls are another matter. If our lawmakers and law enforcement personnel can be trusted to manage their cell phones, while not becoming a danger on our roadways, then shouldn't the general public be given the same confidence. Should we have this double standard?
Posted by: Andy on Feb 19, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Why don't they start focusing on the drunk drivers as opposed to making to stupid laws.
Posted by: jay on Feb 19, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I think it's a lot of bull. Just a new way to try to get money is all I think they are doing.
Posted by: Jr. on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Why is it any safer for government officials to do this than the rest of the public?
Posted by: gs on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:33 AM
well,lets see here the public cant do it ,,but police can,,this mean police must be super human or somthing,,they can drive and talk at the same time but there safe though they cant wreck while on putting there attention toward the phone call
Posted by: Becky on Feb 19, 2008 at 11:32 AM
What is good for the goose, is good for the gander. I was nearly rear-ended twice in Ashland last Saturday by a Boyd County deputy,, he was holding a water bottle in one hand (to spit tobacco juice in) and a cell phone in the other. Thank God he finally went around me.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:50 AM
i think this law should apply to everyone on the road that talks on the cell phones. if it is that important for you to be on the phone, then pullover and keep the roads a little safer for us that is not driving irratically. i'm tired of dealing with inconsiderate drivers cutting me off, changing lanes without the turn indicators and etc. hang up and drive would ya thanks
Posted by: JL on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:36 AM
unknown, the speaker option apparently would be illegal as well as hands free phones. The bill says "talking" it doesn't mention holding the phone.
Posted by: david c on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:36 AM
will this new law apply to the police also? i work in charleston and it seams everytime i pass a cop on the road they are on the phone or worse yet looking at their computer screne instead of the road.
Posted by: unknown on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:10 AM
this is great. Now ppl will drive instead of going 20 in a 55 because there talking on the cell phone .. as well this will prevent so much less wrecks.. anyways cell phone has speaker phone now.. USE IT
Posted by: John on Feb 19, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Im on the road alot and I have to talk on my cell phone, its part of my job. Now if I do have to text or IM on my cell, then I will pull over and do that. If this passes, people will still do it.
Posted by: miranda on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Are they planning on making it illegal to drive with children in the car also? I know I'm distracted much more often by my child yapping to me in the back seat then I ever am by my cell phone. You can't legislate good sense folks. People will continue to use their phones whether or not it's illegal. Good point Brian about cell phone use for law enforcement, I used to date an office and he spent a bunch of time chatting to me on his cell phone while on duty.
Posted by: Finally on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:27 AM
This is the first piece of legislation that has made sense. Cell phones and driving don't mix.
Posted by: Chris on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:10 AM
I think it is about time, too many times I have been driving down the road with my family to experience someone paying more attention to their cell phones, But if the law passes, then are the police going to inforce it since there just as guilty.
Posted by: Sean on Feb 19, 2008 at 09:03 AM
I would like to see an unbiased study of how many cell phone related accidents there have been in the last five years in WV. Perhaps "they" are assuming that cell phones cause accidents. How many have you heard of on the news or read in the paper? What do the police reports say? I have yet to hear or see one wreck caused by someone on the phone.
Posted by: Sean on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:58 AM
We have laws that will protect the public from the affects of distracted driving. If a cop sees you driving erratically they can pull you over. If you use a cell phone without being distracted and affecting your driving the cops or public should not care. I do agree that some cannot, but they also can't chew gum and walk at the same time.
Posted by: shana on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:51 AM
To wow and Robert: Let me guess that you two are so perfect that you have done anything behind the wheel that would endanger other lives. You never eat or anything when you are driving? Get real!!!
Posted by: Randy on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:30 AM
They will run into a huge legal issue here. If they pass the law then they will be required to provide a free hands free device to anyone that requests it. California had to do this and it cost them far more than fines brought in.
Posted by: Jon on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:28 AM
I can see texting while driving and maybe talking if it is a teenager, but even going to the point of fining you if you pull over that is to much. This all boils down to another way for the lawmakers to get to our hard erned money. I have been driving for 29 years and if I need to text someone I pull off the road. I think they need to re-think this one and ask those it will effect. Like Brian said the radio in the cruzers are to talk to the dispatchers not the phone so if the law passes then it should be the same for them.
Posted by: wow on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:16 AM
lets impose fines for talking on a phone but forget about those changing cds, smoking, chewing, eating, putting on makeup, etc. A lady rear ended me while putting on her eye makeup.
Posted by: Robert on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:11 AM
When are they going to fine people for eating while they are driving? Or putting on makeup?
Posted by: Brian on Feb 19, 2008 at 08:04 AM
Does this mean that all the police officers I see talking on their cell phones are really talking to their dispatchers instead of their girlfriends? Wow! And here I thought the Motorola 2way radio in every patrol car & & portable radio clipped on every uniform was for that. Silly me.
Posted by: RANDY SIMONS on Feb 19, 2008 at 07:55 AM
as o native west virginian what you are doing with this law is a violation of peolples right to choose on there own as to what thye want to did and is illegal ubder the laws of the united states
Posted by: Debbie on Feb 19, 2008 at 07:39 AM
It's about time. Saw a jeep drive off the road on 64 two days ago, Yep you guessed it the guy was yapping on a cell phone.
Posted by: c on Feb 19, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Im sorry, but in my opinion, the hands free option is still dangerous. The problem is not that one hand is off the steering wheel while holding the phone, the problem is YOUR BRAIN IS NOT ON YOUR DRIVING like it should be. You can always tell by erratic driving if someone is talking on their phone while driving. They just think they are the only ones on the road.
Posted by: junior on Feb 19, 2008 at 06:51 AM
I think it's great and about time for this to happen. I all most got hit by a person talking on a cell phone while driving. yes i have a cell phone and use it a lot but not while i'm under a wheel of a car.
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