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Senate Takes Up Ban On Use Of Hands-Held Cell Phones While Driving

Jim Legans via Flickr CC

The Senate’s Transportation Committee is considering a bill already passed by the House that would ban the use of hand-held cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.

Those testifying in favor of the bill on Tuesday included victims of distracted driving and members of law enforcement.

Greenland Police Chief Tara Laurent told lawmakers that simply put, the ban will save lives.

“The behavior of using a cell phone or any sort of electronic device is dangerous. People are dying. We have fatalities because of this behavior.”

The bill is similar to what’s already law in Connecticut and Laurent says she’s seen first-hand that drivers in that state do obey it.

But opponents say the law would do little to prevent distracted driving.

Representative Gary Daniels of Milford says the state already has laws on the books, including a ban on texting behind the wheel.

“Adding one more to it is not going to solve the problem. The problem is it needs to be enforced.”

The bill would allow adult drivers to use hands-free devices and exempts any calls for emergencies.

Michael serves as NHPR's Program Director. Michael came to NHPR in 2012, working as the station's newscast producer/reporter. In 2015, he took on the role of Morning Edition producer. Michael worked for eight years at The Telegraph of Nashua, covering education and working as the metro editor.
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