Listening to music, eating, and having passengers in the car are all considered distractions for drivers. However, state Reps. Sal Esquivel and Carolyn Tomei say talking on cell phones while driving is dangerous enough to outlaw.
House Bill 2377 would make it illegal for Oregon drivers of any age to talk on a cell phone while driving. Currently, it is only illegal for Oregonians under 18 to talk on their cell phones while driving.
The bill would make the violation a primary offense, which means law enforcement could pull drivers over if they see them using their cell phones, even if the driver was not breaking the law in any other way.
Exceptions apply to the law when an individual is driving an emergency vehicle or using a hands-free device.
The bill passed in the Oregon House of Representatives by 16 votes and is now in committee in the Senate.
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Dangerous distraction
April 29, 2009
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