Bills would ban phone use while driving

PROVIDENCE – The House Committee on Corporations heard testimony on two bills that would restrict the use of cell phones by Rhode Island drivers.
The bills, H 7031 and H 7103, are sponsored respectively by Rep. Joanne M. Giannini, D-Providence, and Rep. Peter F. Kilmartin, D-Pawtucket. Both would outlaw the use of nonhands-free cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Giannini’s bill would exempt public-safety personnel, while Kilmartin’s would exempt the use of a phone to make 911 calls.
The Associated Press reported that Kilmartin, who has been pushing to outlaw the use of cell phones while driving since 1999, has the support of other lawmakers, cell phone companies and the R.I. Department of Transportation.
The AP also reported that opponents of the bills heard last week say that the state needs to enact “more comprehensive” legislation banning drivers from engaging in a wide range of “distracting” practices.
The renewed push to ban cell phone use while driving comes on the heels of legislation passed last year banning text messaging while driving. •