Delaware drivers will have to put down their hand-held phones if the House passes a cell phone ban next week as expected. Texting and emailing while driving will also be banned, and drivers who don’t heed the new law are expected to face at least a $50 fine.
The Senate voted 18-3 to pass an amended House bill that outlaws using a cell phone while driving, Tuesday, June 15.
House Bill 229, introduced Friday, June 11, by Rep. Darryl Scott, D-Dover, exempts emergency personnel, police and firefighters from the ban.
Earlier proposals to ban cell phone use while on the road have failed, but the Senate-amended version is expected to pass the House next week, said House Majority Leader Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach.
“I said all along I’m not crazy to have to vote for this bill, but I understand the safety part,” Schwartzkopf said.
“People don’t like being told what to do. It’s just like seat belts. People were reluctant at first, but seat belts have proven to save lives.”
Schwartzkopf said texting is especially a problem. “People don’t pay attention,” he said. “It’s very hazardous. Some people lose focus on what they’re supposed to be doing and that’s driving.”
He also said opponents of the bill say it won’t reduce accidents, but he says accident statistics show distracted driving is a problem. “State police didn’t start tracking cell phone use as an aggravating factor until three years ago. Since then, the numbers really have gone up,” he said.
The bill would take effect 180 days after being signed into law by Gov. Jack Markell, which probably means by the beginning of next year.
“This is an issue of public safety and public concern. Just as our primary focus as a state needs to be about creating new jobs, this legislation makes clear our primary focus while driving needs to be on the road,” Markell said.
Drivers will be permitted to use hands-free devices while driving.
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