JUNEAU — The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said Monday that he hopes a proposal to outlaw texting while driving won’t be muddied by a push to restrict or ban all cellphone use.
Rep. Carl Gatto, R-Palmer, told reporters he understands the idea behind no texting while driving. But he said there are a lot of reasons to keep cellphones in cars. For example, he said they are important for some businesses, and they let mothers keep in contact with their children. He said it can be unnerving for parents to miss a call from a child.
The most controversial issue his committee will probably deal with this session is cellphones in cars, he said.
A measure that would have generally banned cellphones while driving failed in Gatto’s committee near the end of last year’s regular session. The measure made exceptions for emergency situations and would have allowed for use of hands-free devices for adult drivers.
The state’s intended ban on texting while driving, passed in 2008, faces a legal challenge, with a magistrate in Kenai late last year finding the Legislature should have been explicit if it meant to prohibit the activity.
“OK, if (the law’s) unclear, we’ll clarify it,” Gatto said.
An explicit ban on texting while driving has been introduced, and is slated for its first hearing this week. Gatto is a co-sponsor. He said it’s “a little scary” that the bill could be amended to ban cellphone use, period, but he said he doesn’t think that will happen.
Rep. Bob Herron, D-Bethel, said he supports such a ban. Herron said he was the victim of a texting driver who hit his car while he was waiting to make a turn in Anchorage last summer.
Herron said the woman was texting even after the accident, and took off without talking to him or getting out of the car to check the damage. He said he would have used his own phone to take a picture of her license plate but didn’t expect that she would take off.
Comments (29)
Add commentExpensive Call
Here in Oregon you can't use your cell phone while driving (for anything)! If you get caught....It's is an expensive ticket.
Now, people either take the chance of getting busted or purchase a "bluetooth" compatible radio, and able to keep both hands on the wheel (mostly).
Honestly, I have done both, and anyway you cut it, it is a distraction...............
I'm not sure what I feel about this
But I'd advise anyone to be very wary of listening to any suggestions from the legislator who said that it was GOOD for kids to face bullying in schools.
Mothers
Mothers can pull over to keep track of their kids. I dont think you should use cell phones while driving, but Gatto's reasoning is lame.
Im also leary of having
Im also leary of having drivers pull over on the highway to make a call, then try to re-enter 60mph traffic. Seems like asking for accidents
I think it's sad we have let
I think it's sad we have let technology get the best of us. What happened to the way it use to be. We made it decades without cell phones and used land lines. That's what's wrong with the world these days to much cell usage no privacy anymore. I think it's what stresses us out the most. So people seriously stop and think for 10 seconds is a call that important that u would put ur own safety and others at risk for a phone call that could have waited till u get off the road. I live in Juneau and at most it takes 20 minutes to get somewhere and it won't kill ya to miss that call but might if u answer it. To me it's also comical back in the 90s and before then we were all less stressed out and this country had more money, we had more trust in one another nothing making us angry if we didn't answer a phone call or text message. It seems to me I see more domestic violence these days then before . iPhone's let alone show u now when a message is delivered read and sent back. It's to much. I would give anything to go back to the 90s an earlier to have a simple life and when kids actually played outside instead of cells phones and games. So I think cara should have jamming devices to jam the signal of a cell phone except for emergency calls only.
People are the problem, not the phones...
It is really a shame that we now have to look to regulating cell phones / texting. How about the lady that is drinking the skinny latte, putting make up on, or the dude talking on the phone, shaving and eating the bacon covered maple bar and both are zig zagging in and out of traffic at 70 while traffic is doing 55 on a snowy morning? Is the Leg. going to pass a bill to prevent that? I guess those should be called the "DARWIN AWARDS" bill.
Come on folks, use common sense, if we have to make laws to tell us not to do something dumb or unsafe, we all need to be taken out behind the wood shed with the leather strap and taught to smarten up... (oh wait, that is not PC anymore)
difficult but not impossable
Finding ways to lower the number of accidents that are directly the result of inattentive driving is not imposable. It may be difficult to find a way to accomplish this. Ignoring the issue is not going to lower the number of accidents [accident: an unforeseeable occur ace] or make any of us any safer.
We may have to rely on some increase in technology to aid in our quest. Already there are black boxes in many vehicles that record a number of things such as speed and vehicle maneuvers just prior to a accident. Those have been used to prove a number of things about the accident in court hearings. It would not be impossible to have a similar device recording if a cell transmission (not the content) was happening before and/or during an accident. Insurance companies would love that information and they might willingly lower your rates if you had one installed. Being able to show you were not on the cell during the time period your accident happened would certainly not hurt your defense. Likewise the black box recording showing a cell was in use would serve as prima facia proof the activity was going on.
@nimby99801: I know, right?
@nimby99801: I know, right? Why even have laws against assault? Since assaults still occur, those laws are OBVIOUSLY ineffective.
In fact, every law is ineffective, because every law seems to be broken by someone from time to time. We should just do away with the whole system since it's not 100% effective.
Nobody is trying to outlaw
Nobody is trying to outlaw phones in cars as the story title alludes. But people, MOST people I would think, if it came to a vote at-large, would want to send a clear message to the lunatics who think they can drive while texting. If you have to play politics and delay progress in the session, as the Senate minority is want to do, you are doing a disservice to the pedestrians of Alaska, as well as the good Alaskans driving in the other lane speeding in the opposite direction creating a closing speed of 140 mph...while they are texting a boyfriend, or a worried parent. It doesn`t pay to take that chance as we are sadly learning.
My take
Make texting and cell phone (including hands free devices) against the law for the driver to use while a vehicle is running, and on any street, road, or highway....no exceptions.
In prosecuting offenders, there are two tiers.
Offenses where there is no property damage or injury to other than the driver, or their vehicle, are prosecuted as traffic tickets, and frequent offenders are prosecuted as DUI's after the third offense.
Offenders who cause injury to other persons or property are prosecuted as DUI's are now.
Quite simply, your busy life, is just not that important to the rest of us on the road with you. If you can't pull off the road to text, talk, or dial...your self worth algorithm needs some serious adjustment.
In Washington, where they
In Washington, where they have banned cell phones and driving, they have shown an increase in accidents from people pulling off the highway to talk, then merging from zero back into 70 mph. Think 430pm on egan. Think about pulling over to talk, then trying to get back into the herd. Not a pretty thought. Texting while driving is stupid. Most people can talk while driving with little or no impairement. But I have had many issues with drivers eating oatmeal, putting on makeup, yelling at kids, etc. Sometimes all of the above at once. And 49er, even hands free devices? Are you on medication, or are you supposed to be? If you can talk to the person next to you, you can talk on a hands free. Maybe we should just ban passengers too?
@kpawsuh
Who's talking about pulling over in the middle of a highway? If you want to make a call, pull over at the next interchange (and if you want to receive a call, do the same and call the person back).
Fact: many people think they can chat on the phone (and some think they can text) while driving.
Fact: they're wrong.
Chatting on cell phones, and to a lesser extent texting, while driving is widespread and we know it causes accidents and deaths. We often make laws to ban such activities (drinking while driving, e.g.). We ought to do that in this instance as well. It really is not that hard to drive without using one's phone.
Seriously?!
I agree with Kpawsuh. Texting and driving is stupid. If you want to text during the 20 minute commute to anywhere in this town - take the bus! Bottom line is that being cell phone-less isn't going to improve driver attention. LOTS and LOTS of things are distractions when driving. Talking to someone who actually in the car is a distraction. Turning on, tuning in, or listening to the radio is a distraction. The headlights from the lifted truck reflecting in your eyes is a distraction. All the signage telling you the names of streets or how fast you can go is a distraction.
Cell phones aren't the problem -- people with more facebook friends than brain cells are.
@Jimmy_Carter Yep! That's the ticket
Do you know how many drivers on the road are under the influence? A LOT.
Does AS 28.35.030 (Operating a Vehicle, Aircraft or Watercraft While Under the Influence of An Alcoholic Beverage, Inhalant, or Controlled Substance) keep people from driving while under the influence? NO.
Laws like these don't prevent accidents. It does enable the State to charge drivers with a crime and prosecute them. Even then, being convicted of a DUI doesn't stop them. There are repeat DUI offenders.
A new law is not going to stop people from using their cell phones. It will, however, add cases to the District Attorney's long list as well as increase the legal costs of prosecuting offenders for their minor offenses.
A quick glance at the police
A quick glance at the police section of the paper reveals that even requiring a drivers license doesnt stop people from driving without one. I personally have not had an accident even though I am usually talking on my phone while driving. I do not know anyone who has. What I do know is that I see many many people who have accidents from driving too fast for conditions. I know people who have had an accident from having a fist-fight with their spouse while driving. I see people every day as I drive into work driving with their knee while eating, shaving, putting on makeup etc. I have seen people driving along at 60 while completely turning around to get something out of the back seat or to deal with a child in the back seat.
Face it. You will never legislate stupidity out of existance.
I take it
you're one of those gifted multi-taskers, eh kpawsuh? Then you probably won't be getting a citation then will you, you knucklehead
All I know from experience
All I know that if I am driving down a road or highway at 50 or 60 miles and hour, that it requires my full attention. I guess I'm not good at "multi-tasking". Add to that icy, snowy, slippery lanes, and it requires my full attention.
I have no problem with people having phones in their vehicles, and I don't think that's the real issue. It seems pretty obvious to me that is no problem.
What I suspect is that Rep. Gatto is simply trying to attract attention and get his "fifteen minutes of fame" but I must certainly be wrong.
Actually I have had more
Actually I have had more drivers training than anyone I know. I am a very good multi tasker and been through training scenarios that would make most folks wet themselves. I have done the same with a boat. High performing jobs require high performing training. But my comment was not about me. I don't even know anyone who has had an accident due to a cell phone. I have lived here for multiple decades, too, so I know a large chunk of town. Not a one. I know, its not a scientific study, but if its such a hazard you'd think I would at least know one...
why have any laws?
of course the mere existence of the law is not going to stop all drivers (though it will deter many who are intent on complying with the law). That is true for all laws (copyright, driving under the influence, using cocaine, etc.), so to say that it's a bad idea to prohibit cell phone use or texting in vehicles because some people will do it anyway is meaningless. Yes, people break the law. Most do not. But that is not a reason to scuttle a legitimate legal prohibition.
Kpwasah, don't kid yourself. You can no more text and drive than a 16-year old kid, despite your imagined prowess at multi-tasking. And read through the papers, you'll find many accidents caused by cell phone use. Have you never seen this one: Driver dead, cell phone records indicate he/she was using it at the time of accident.
Amazing
This issue is not just about JUNEAU. This issue is about the entire state of Alaska. And this issue is about the safety of people around you. You may or may not know someone who has been in an accident because of talking/texting on a cell while driving. I have experienced the heartbreak and horror it CAN and DOES cause.
I have been rear-ended twice by idiots who were talking on their cell. My closest friend lost her beautiful 26-year-old daughter and unborn grandchild to an idiot who was texting and driving. It's amazing to me that people think they have the right to endanger those around them because they are so darn important that they cannot wait for 10 minutes to talk on the phone. So a parent is 'unnerved' by a missed call from a child. Big deal. Get over it. Yes, it is sad that we have let technology get the best of us. It is a shame that we have to look to regulating cell use in vehicles - and it is sad that people don't have enough common sense to use discretion in their own behavior. Just because YOU haven't personally experienced the after effects of an idiot using a cell while driving doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It DOES.
I hope for everyone reading this that you never have to experience the horror of injury or death of a loved one because someone was so self-important that they could not wait for 10 minutes to talk on the phone. NO phone call is worth more than a life. Or two.
NO cell phone use at all while driving!
so if i was on a cell phone and on a call from my kid and i cause a wreck and kill a few people...my only reasons would be i had to take this call so i know where my kid is! The judge would laugh at me and say are you mental!!
I dont know about you guys but using a cell phone and killing someone over a phone call. i would never be able to live with that.
preventing a accident is better then taking a risk. we lived with no cell phones befor i doubt will die not being able to use them while driving...
Can you multi-task?
Basically, it boils down to whether you can do more than one thing at a time and prioritize the objects of your attention. It makes sense that when driving that that should be the priority. anything else is secondary. Point is, if you are so simple minded and not able to juggle stick to driving only. One thing we do not need is yet another law. For crying out loud, can't you people just use your stinking heads and get it right? Guess not, still have slow pokes in the left lane. Honk honk, get out of the way...
AKjustice!
Left lane is passing lane not a go faster lane. As for multitasking while driving everybody is suppose to have %110 mind and eyes on the road.
Its very easy for someone to forget using blinkers while changing lanes while on a cell phone ive seen it befor and almost seen a few accidents over it both hands are suppose to be free for driving thats how we where all taught.
If a law has to be passed to even save one life or accident its well worth it. "who knows it could be your life saved!"
people wont be able to keep their thumbs off the keypad
if you allow the devices while driving. If there's an emergency pull over. We lived without um before and their use is greater distraction than all others 10 fold. Ban um all!
And.....
How many of you think the DMV tester would pass you if you yacked on your phone durring the test? I doubt it would matter how distressed you became over the 20 minute phone black out
At a minimum...
At a minimum, the distracted drivers should pull into the slow lane (yes, that is why there is a right lane) so that some of us can continue to observe road conditions and hazards, AND continue on to our destinations.
Why the H E double toothpick, do the dreaming zombies who seem to frequent Subaru vehicles, not remember to PULL to the right slow lane if you are too scared to drive faster than 35 on EGAN if it is snowing.
Please, just get out of the way.
Lefties unite...
It's always more laws and restrictions with the socialists and the commies. We made laws to stop drug users and look what has happened. We made laws to stop drunk driving and look what has happened. We make lots of laws to alter peoples behaviors and they are, in my opinion, mostly a dismal failure and a revenue stream for government.
I know one of you clever elitist out there in Vampire land will come up with, in your opinion, of all kinds of government success stories. That is your nature; to control.
Remember this, not all law is good law and the individual will always do what they want no matter what the penalty if that is what they choose to do. You can make all the law you want; If I choose to speed I'm going to speed and there is nothing you're going to be able to do about it.
To help you relate, it's like free speech and being politically correct. PC requires that certain things must be said a certain way... Well you can forget that noise... No one is going to crush my right to free speech... One can be polite in their delivery of communication but be assured that it is a personal choice and I'll say what I please whether it's PC or not...
Gatto is a certified idiot.
Gatto is a certified idiot. He proves it pretty much any time he opens his mouth. He even makes Sarah Palin seem intelligent and reasonable.
@AKjustice: drug laws indeed.
@AKjustice: drug laws indeed. I thought socialists and commies were also strung-out hippies? Let me jog your memory as to who started the ridiculous war on drugs: the well-known and avowed commie Richard Nixon. Boy was that guy a pinko!
"Lefties" stand for personal freedom in the face of a complex and ever-changing world. It's also about restraint and self-discipline. Your type will do all sorts of stupid and harmful things just because you can. In my world, just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. That distinction is lost on people like you.
Furthermore, speeding is not like being PC. For one, there are no PC laws (and being politically correct is understanding that language shapes our perceptions, and that it's in our best interests to avoid using phrases that reinforce repressive cultural mores, stereotypes, and prejudices--it's not about being unoffensive). Two, speeding is physically dangerous to others. You may think it's your right to be a reckless d-bag who has no concern for others, but most of us would beg to differ.