The House is expected to take up legislation today that would ban drivers from touching their cell phones while behind the wheel. Bill author, Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says the proposal is a life saver, and a cost saver.
“Insurance companies will see that there are fewer claims in our state, fewer people getting hurt, fewer people getting killed. It gives them a reason to want to lower their rates because there are fewer accidents.”
Huval says Georgia recently passed a cellphone ban and the Peach State has seen a 15% reduction in commercial vehicle fatalities, and a 4% reduction in all fatalities, which adds up to 50 lives saved due to the new law.
The penalty for first time offenders is 100 dollars, or community service under Louisiana’s proposed law. Huval says many of those who will be ticketed for the offense are teen drivers who are financially dependent on their parents, which is why they’ve added a non-financial penalty option.
“At least it is not an additional financial burden for their family, having to pay for a fine that their child has occurred for breaking the law.”
Huval has tried to get this bill to the governor’s desk for the last two years, but each time it’s stalled on the House floor. Huval says this time legislators have come to him to express support, after being educated about the effects of distracted driving.
“Distracted driving is an issue that is not only a concern for certain people, but a concern for all of our constituents, friends and relatives.”