Idaho looks to become the latest to join the growing list of states that outlaw talking on your phone while driving as a new Cell Phone ban has passed the first hurdle to becoming Idaho's newest law.

In an article first printed in the Spokesman Review, Idaho lawmakers have passed the first hurdle to help curb the rising numbers of injuries and fatalities while using a phone while driving The new law will put a ban on driving while talking on your hand-held cell phone.

A state Senate panel voted 8-1 for the ban. Basically the new law if it passes the Idaho Senate would make it illegal to hold on to your phone while your car is in motion.  You could still talk if you have Wi-Fi or are connected with a single earpiece microphone, but you couldn’t be caught with your phone in your hands while the car is in motion.

“Ticketing drivers for texting is proving too hard to enforce”, said Sen. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, who said he’s heard that again and again from law enforcement. “There’s no way they can enforce texting while driving – it’s just impossible,”

Over the last few years according to statistics from the Idaho Transportation Department, injuries and deaths due to cell phone use while driving continues to soar in the state of Idaho.

The bill foes further than to ban talking and driving, it also would ban people younger than 21 or those driving with a learner’s permit from using their cell phones while driving period...not even hands-free.

I have kids and I for one, wouldn’t mind if laws for kids were a little tougher, I mean if your kids are anything like mine, they're distracted by life already, so taking cell phones away in the car might help a little.

We are a long ways from seeing the cell ban become law…and if you’re in favor or even against this becoming law, this would be a good time to give your State Senator a call and them them how you feel

To become law, the bill must  still survive the amending process in the Idaho Senate, then it must pass the Senate, clear a House committee and then the full House. And after all that, finally it must receive the governor’s signature.  We'll keep you updated on the process as more becomes available.

What are your thoughts on this possible new ban?  Share below in the comments section below.

 

 

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