The proposal to outlaw the use of hand held cell phones while operating a vehicle in Louisiana cleared one legislative hurdle today.
The House Transportation Committee voted 13 - 2 to send the bill to the full House of Representatives.
The legislation's digest says it would expand the current law that bans use of hand held phones in school zones.
It "extends the prohibition to include general usage of wireless telecommunications devices while driving."
The bill would outlaw "making manual entries of letters, numbers, symbols, or any combination thereof."
You can read the full digest here...
Supporters presented evidence of fatalities decreasing in other states and counties where similar laws were enacted.
Opponents complained that the bill singles out cell phone use, but does not address other distractions like eating, applying makeup, tying a tie or drinking coffee.



