Distracted Driving

Tools

By Nicole Grigg

Story Published: Mar 4, 2010 at 11:01 PM MST

Story Updated: Mar 4, 2010 at 11:01 PM MST

BILLINGS - Billings may be on its way to banning cell phone use while driving.

The Billings Distracted Driving Committee is concerned about what happens when people mix driving with handheld electronic devices like cell phones. Experts say distractions cause 16% of fatal crashes and 21% of crashes causing injuries.

The 11 member committee was appointed by the city council and aims to make roads safer. Members said distractions are not limited to cell phones.

They're concerned about how to enforce the proposed change, but much more concerned about what will happen if they don't.

“It is definitely a hazard to those they encounter and themselves,” said Peggie Gaghen. Six states outlaw all handheld cell phone use while driving.

The committee will look to other cities for guidance on constructing a proposed ordinance for Billings.

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john Carter said on Friday, Mar 26 at 11:19 AM

Texting has become a way of life for many of us, particularly young people. The problem is, texting could end your life once you get behind the wheel of a car and you're looking at your phone, instead of paying attention to what's going on in front of you. Now “Brookline eyes ban on texting while driving”. But is it a solution? The people have to work 24*7 on there mobiles will not stop. I think the best way to solve this problem is the use of http://www.drivesafe.ly/ in which we can text and emails aloud in real time and can also respond to it without even touching the mobile phone.

DPS said on Monday, Mar 8 at 6:46 AM

What I want to know is who are you people always talking to that it can't wait till you get home.I probably don't put 2-3 hours a month on my phone and it's all business related. And none-zero-nada of it is while driving.

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 5:06 PM

some one gets away with a 7th dui and they want to put bans on phone. stop the repeat D U I offender and forget about the phones

big al said on Friday, Mar 5 at 10:09 AM

great.. if they enforce it.. ticket and a big fine... also need cameras on the stop lites!!!! if they dont nothing will change..

Vet student said on Friday, Mar 5 at 8:20 AM

whether it be dogs, cell phones, or other passengers; what is wrong with being a responsible, aware driver? people do stupid things while not paying attention. how about the realization of a 5,000 pound truck flattening my honda civic? seriously people, if we all could have been RESPONSIBLE about driving, we wouldnt have problems like this, or people complaining...

Anonymous said on Friday, Mar 5 at 7:05 AM

how about the people who can't see the road in front of them becuase of there dog sitting in there lap.

curious said on Friday, Mar 5 at 6:41 AM

I would be curious to know if these new laws would affect the law enforcement community as well. As I drive around town I see most officers in their cruisers on the phone driving around. Would they be required to put theirs down too.

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