Bills would ban phone use while driving

I have no problems with requiring hands free cell phone operation while driving - but to ban all cell phone use - what's next the radio? Oh, and don't forget about those passengers you have in your car - talking to them could distract you and cause an accident - a little common sense needs to prevail here.

I'm just gonna say this bluntly. I text whilst I drive, yeah I've had a few close calls, but when I'm in a hurry I need to text. also life jackets

-mommy k

Most responsible drivers pull off the road for cell phone converstions. As a school bus driver, I hand off the phone if it needs attention. What we DO NOT need is further legislation to regulate common sense. We are heavily over-legislated for a free people. It is true that not everyone behaves responsibly, but it is also true that the law will only regulate voluntary compliance. Others will flaunt the law as they do so many laws. Enforcement agencies will do all they can, but essentially, this is preaching to the proverbial choir. For instance, seat belts are an important part of an automobile and there is no denying their use impacts fatality statistics. We now have a law. I use seatbelts but it is an infrigement on our constitutional rights to be legislated on the matter. Does the law actually make the population comply? To some extent it does, but not entirely, and so will go the matter with other such laws designed to control personal behavior. Do parents now not smoke in cars with their children? They extinguish the butts only when they are confident of being caught. I say let the legislators concentrate on things they CAN impact, like economic issues, legislative behavior, and the like.

I think this is long overdue! Everywhere one travels today, there are drivers in heavy traffic talking on their cell phones. Hands free cell phones are one answer - but if they have to talk on the phone, common sense dictates that the best thing to do, is to pull off the road in a safe manner and then make your phone calls or send a text message.

It's hard to understanding the thinking of someone like mommy k - who says she text messages when she is driving and she has had a few close calls, but she's in a hurry and "needs to text." Is it actually that important that you are willing to risk not only your own life but that of others - including perhaps your own children, since you signed it mommy k? How difficult it is, to find a safe place to pull off and do it that way? Why must we always wait for a tragedy to happen before we learn and even at that, some folks never learn. And my God! what did you all do before we had cell phones?

While using one while driving is dangerous to everyone, I always get aggravated in every public place one goes to, being forced to listen to private conversations in the supermarket or stores, etc., - people talking on their cell phones as if they were doing so in the privacy of their own homes. While this is not dangerous or life threatening to us, it's rude and ignorant and annoying. I don't want to hear someone having a verbal argument on their cell phone, or be forced to listen to any type of private conversation they are engaged in. Am I suppose to wear ear plugs so these inconsiderate people can gab away no matter where they are?

Cell phones do serve a good purpose. But it has to be used with common sense and with some consideration for others. And these kids with cell phones! It would be a cold day in hell before I'd buy a pre-teen or teenager a cell phone! And...the excuse some parents use - well, I can get in touch with them no matter where they are to check up on them - lol - what a joke that excuse is. They can easily lie about their whereabouts anyhow - and besides, how did we survive without cell phones? I know when I was a kid, my Mother used a whistle - I can't tell you the number of times I would run home and find out it wasn't her calling us with a whistle. lol We survived without cell phones and so can't today's teens.

So, yes a law is needed because most people won't use common sense and consider the safety of others - and I sure would like to see stores pass a law where if your cell phone rings go outside of the store and have your conversation and spare us all the drama in your life. By the way, we have a cell phone too. But we bring it with us when we are traveling, in case of an emergency. We don't use it to chit chat like we do on our home phones.

2600 people nationally - I wonder how many people die annually riding ATV's, snowmobiles, falling off bikes without a helmet, etc. Let's ban those too, huh?

Pretty small number to warrant legislation.

Leave it alone - you cannot force common sense on people who do not have it.

And yet another law that will be loosely enforced.

How about solving the Maine budget gap - I guess they cant figure that out so they spend their time on this dribble.

Friendly.... as a school bus driver  you shouldn't be using a phone at all... you have enough to pay attention to without using a phone... if it is needed you should pull over and use it but NOT WHILE DRIVING>>>>  as for the rest i feel that hand free cell is no differant than the radio or MP3 players.. but one still needs to be aware of what is going on around when driving...

this ia what happens when you have a group of people that get paid for sitting around and comming up with new laws

I think banning hands on cell phone useage is an excellent idea. But who's going to enforce it? Every police office you see driving around is on the cell phone so thier to busy to arrest you for using a cell phone. This needs to be a 2 sided law, what's good for the goose is also good for the gander! Oh ya, don't give me the excuse that law enforcement are professionals and the law doesn't effect them.

You can't fix stupid. I'm tired of law to "protect" stupid people.

I'm against "against the law" for everything, but since people can't seem to drive and talk then this law should apply to EVERYONE behind the wheel. Many people can't even pull safely off the road and out of the way to stop to talk. Firetrucks and ambulances never travel with just the driver. Being the police are people I have seen many of them talking while people speed through red lights, pass on the left ,drive down the wrong lane because they are 20 cars back from the light to turn left and other dangerous acts and the officer didn't notice.

I don't think however it will help people to see and obey the giant red and white yield signs at the end of every interstae on ramp or red lights and stop signs and certainly won't stop tailgating.

Great Idea but stupid people will be stupid people-just read mommy k

Let's see - I drive from Bangor to Houlton many times each week. If i pass a dozen cars during that time, it must be rush hour. Or, from Plymouth to Greenville and see only a small amount of "traffic". Portland really doesn't qualify as heavy traffic either, and i'95 in southern Maine occassionally requires a few moments of intentional "driving". Now, please tell me how my phone can be a hinderance. Perhaps i will just have to go back to reading the BDN or some other rag. I hope that the legislators wake up soon to the fact that we are not actually driving in the big city

So are we going to remove the lap-tops from the police cruisers for the same reasons?

Thumbs up to this legislation! Great comments "eveningrain"!!

This has already been said but it's worth repeating.

Excessive legislation is turning a free United States into a fascist united states.

One thing is always certain about legislators; and that is they legislate....24/7. A previous poster asked, "what's next, radios?"

You can't fix stupid. All the laws in the world don't make people follow them.

you got it! you cant make stupid people smart. we try at our public schools. now we are consolidating all the little sheep. we will take all the small town out and put the sheep throught the cattle drive. we make a few stupid rules to boost the goverments money making and half of these idiots think that we should have a few more rules. STOP MAKING STUPID LAWS! I am all for it but you must stop voting for these over paid asses, they are the ones that vote this shit in while all of us are wating for another hand out or some help or one more dumb ass rule so we can be the sheep and follow!

Well maybe if there were less drivers using phones...there would be less mailbox deaths...............

Well maybe if there were less drivers using phones...there would be less mailbox deaths...............

I have a family member whose child was killed walking across posted school crossing during school hours with lights flashing by a driver on the phone. AT THE VERY LEAST should be law NO CELL PHONE USE IN SCHOOL ZONES.

I wonder if all of the laws that are passed are just to make us a less "free" nation. It feels like a more and more socialistic nation every year. Sure seems like we could do with a lot less of the laws that are taking away our freedom. Of course one of the reasons that some of these laws are passed is because of the insurance companies. I wonder if we were to outlaw lobbying if it would make a difference as to how many laws should be passed.

Does it not only takes one constituent to request a law be put forward to cause the "law makers" to have it at least considered? Perhaps we need to make it just a bit more realistic than just one person wanting a law changed or instituted to make it being put forward for consideration. Granted most of the time they just get thrown out, but enough gather momentum to make our life just a bit more "less free".

I talk on the cell phone when driving. I drive first and talk second, always have. I will have someone on the line talking and something is going on around me that requires "all" of my attention and they will say "are you still there", my reply is "yes, but I am driving right now, not talking".

No one should be driving while talking or texting on the phone.

Ban drivers doing anything that would distract them? Isn't that a little broad? I would have to make my teenager and my husband ride in the truck since they are much more of a distraction than using a hands-free cell or checking my make-up in the mirror, or drinking a soda, or picking up something from the floor, which could all be covered under this law given the way it's written. I wouldn't do these things in heavy traffic but I think I've seen heavy traffic in Maine twice in the last 20 years.

Another way for the government to control our lives........

Note that these representatives are all democrats.......

Ok mommyk is stupid. Ever hear of the saying "give them an inch and they'll take a mile"? Works that way with politics too.

I'm waiting for the government to start taxes kids for getting gifts from the easter bunny, tooth fairy and Santa Claus or make it "against the law"

Every school day, I see schoolbus drivers talking on cell phones while children are aboard. Driving with one hand while using the other to hold the phone. What I want to know, friendly, what is so important that can't wait? Are you telling one of your co-workers that you just stopped at the RR Tracks? What do you drivers have to say to each other?

See, the trouble with idiots who write BS like "I'm tired of law to "protect" stupid people", and "you cannot force common sense on people who do not have it" is they often have kids who are as stupid as they are.

Yes, you can enforce commons sense (aleit to a limted degree) see, for example, the reduction in ioditos who drive drunk.

This law isn't to protect te morons who drive will yacking ontheir phones---I don't care if they kill themselves throuhg their own stupidity---it's to protect bystanders.

Amazing tha thiese people are too dumb to understand that. they must vote republican.

This could open up another whole conversation. Bus drivers using cell phones, texting whilst driving a school bus? No morality clause when it comes to schools hiring bus drivers. Lots of the drivers on the weekends are issuing alcohol to the very students they cart back and forth to school. Endangering the students in more ways than we can imagine. The bus drivers need to be tested for alcohol/drug abuse on a daily basis.

Well, LincolnMOM, that's 2 stupid comments you've made on the use of cell phones. I'm done reading anything from you. You don't know what you're talking about, & the two families you just put down don't need to read your opinion about their loved one using a cell phone.

If it is legal to drive and eat a big mac, text message, read a book/newspaper, all of which I see people doing too freakishly often, then how can we say that it is illegal to drive with a phone in your hand? How is that equitable or considered fair treatment within the law? This proposal is just wrong on so many levels and it is truly unfortunate, and really downright scary. Even scarier is that this is also being discussed at a national level. WOW, Maybe we could set up checkpoints to inspect vehicles. Or better yet, we could set up movie cameras everywhere and scan them for folks who are breaking the law!! Has anyone actually thought about enforcement, associated costs, and unintended consequences (e.g. more texting instead of talking)? We are in the middle of what most folks have deemed the worst financial crisis of our time and this is the legislation we get?

If this ends up passing, it will be another law that isn't enforced. I was having lunch with my son at a local restaurant in Bangor one day and noticed a lady in the car with two young children sitting in the back seat was smoking away. If they cannot enforce the no smoking with children in the car how are they going to enforce not talking on a cell phone while driving?

Lots of drivers 'issuing' alcohol to students? Where in the hell does this happen? You mean more ways than 'you' can imagine.

i have to agree with

sickofgovt wrote:

You can't fix stupid. I'm tired of law to "protect" stupid people.

and madison

Oh ya, don't give me the excuse that law enforcement are professionals and the law doesn't effect them.

and some of the other comments are right on, what is next banning the radio or passengers in the car, you might talk to them and get distracted.

people with the legitature plates on their cars, i belive they are biggest offenders of distracted drivers. Just remember augusta if you pass a law it still applies to you as well.

sickofgovt.. I hear ya on the stupid laws to protect stupid people... But remember that stupid person may cross the center line and hit you! I don't really think it is a necessary law either... but I am over 30.... The younger generation are the ones who seem to be texting on the road and talking (atleast from what I observe).

I can't believe they'd ban "everyone" and exempt law enforcement personnel. In addition to all of the distractions that the "normal" driver has, they have their dash-mounted computers, radios, and all of the light and siren controls to take care of, yet hardly ever do I see a Penobscot County Sherriff cruiser (for instance) that the driver isn't passing by while talking on a cell phone. If it's too much of a distraction for the "average" driver, it's definitely yet another distraction for a law enforcement driver.

SO MUCH FOR A FREE COUNTRY! WHAT A JOKE THIS COUNTRY IS BECOMING

If you take a defensive driving course, they tell you that all use of cell phones - hands free included - is a distraction and CAN cause an accident - the word is "CAN" - is the State going to ban everything that CAN cause a distribution - how about radios? Music in general? Kids in my car? How about walkers or other drivers? How about bikes in the road? Lets see, what else can DISTRACT a driver..... how about passengers.... DVD players...... drinks.... food....... - when is going to stop where our "rights" are taken away one by one. Give it a break - anything can distract someone in driving - you as a responsible driver have to do your best to stop that - and no laws are going to fix stupid drivers.

"Like having my cell phone while I like, you know, drive my daddy's car , is so kewl, like, you know, sooooo kewl, and to text message is so kewl too, like ,it's really awsome and so kewl, you know. And Britany Spears is awesome too, have you , like, heard her new CD? Like, text me and let me know what you, like, you know, think. Later, girlfriend!!! "

friendly said it all stop taking away our freedoms! We are suppose to be a free country. What more rights and freedom are they going to keep taking away.

This legislation is also scary becasue we do not even have a handle on how bad of a problem it is in Maine..."While many contend that cell phone use causes accidents, McCausland said the Department of Public Safety has no statistics to confirm or refute that contention.'We’re trying to coordinate that into our crash reports,' he said. 'The only thing we have now is a [category] for drivers who are distracted, but that is a broad category.'

So we don't even have any data on the problem but we want to fix it? How are we going to judge whether or not all of this time and money spent on implementing this legislation was worth spending? This seems like a pretty ridiculous approach to solving problems and spending public money in the first place.

Furthermore the article goes on to say that, "According to the National Safety Council, which has conducted numerous studies on cell phone use while driving, about 6 percent of all crashes, and about 2,600 fatalities annually, are attributed to cell phones. The council also said about 80 percent of all motorists talk on their cell phones while driving."

So 80 percent of all motorists talk on their cell phones!! and only 6 percent of the accidents nationwide are attributed to cell phone use? Is this seriously a problem? The article also states that nationally there are 2600 deaths a year attributed to cell phone use. Well, if let's say 200 million people drive in this country and 80% use cell phones, that's 160 million people on the phone. Now 2600 deaths out of 160 million drivers reoresents a death rate of 0.0016% within the population of people who drive and use a cell phone. Sounds like a pretty low rate to me. Again, is this actually a problem or something we just percieve as a problem?

After reading some of these comments, I am more disturbed by somebody saying that school bus drivers are "issuing" alcohol to students and driving impaired.

Shouldn't that be addressed before we spend who knows how much time and money trying to pry cells from drivers hands? If that is happening with bus drivers, it needs immediate attention!!!

As for the comments regarding heavy traffic.........it's all a relative thing! Of course we don't have the same congestion on our roads as a major city, but causing an accident and injuring / killing another person (or yourself) while driving in less traffic doesn't make that person less dead or injured!

Text messaging has to be the dumbest most worthless invention in human history. People who spend their time texting need to get a life. Also agree with eveningrain, why does every child need a cell phone? Seems we all survived just fine without them until the mid 90's.

IT'S ABOUT TIME!..WAY OVERDUE! A lot of people have died or injuried because of driver using cell phone. How many times have you almost had an accident because the other driver was on a phone? There is a time and place for cell phones. Are our lives so busy we have to be on the phone and available 24/7? You are putting yourself and others at risk. Shut up and drive!

The net number of actual road deaths could easily be reduced to an astonishing degree simply by enacting draconian laws empowering police officers to summarily execute on the spot any driver they feel is operating in an irresponsible manner. Think of it!

Of course at first it would be quite a shock passing by all those bodies piled up alongside the highway and at prominent intersections, but how long would that last before everybody got the idea? Perhaps we could have police officers administer roadside fatigue test, mental acuity tests, psychological tests to determine whether something other than the road ahead is on the mind of the driver. We could have high resolution cameras everywhere to record if anybody in a vehicle is moving their lips, thereby distracting the driver and creating a potentially lethal situation.

It's always nice to know that so many of our legislators are concerned for our welfare and that some of them even have the courage to do whatever it takes to save us from ourselves.

im 4 yr old an i need a cellphone to actively participate in such measures as text messaging to popular at my pre-school hurrr

Gee - are we still going to be allowed to have a conversation with our passengers, or is that too much of a distraction as well?

Let's refrain from personal attacks. No need to call "mommy k" or anyone else stupid. You can disagree with their post, but please keep the discourse civil. Please refer to our Terms of Service regarding user submissions. A reminder: if anyone sees a comment they believe is inappropriate, please click "Report inappropriate comments" link at the top, right corner of the comments box. Thank you all for using bangordailynews.com.

how about this, the people on here who object to cell phone use in cars are either:

A. Can't afford a cell phone and therefore are on Baldacci's Welfare Program

B. A concerned mother

C. Don't have a life (because they won't call and/or text anyone ---- ever)

or D. Hate themselves deep down

Yes it is a free country, and i have the right to be free of the "STUPID" people who use cell phones, and drive.I also think handsfree phones are ok if used right.

don't call me stupid, stupidhead

Oh yes, and people like mommy K.

Look though. We are all adults here for the most part. Yeah I go off on certain things but: (BDN please put this in tomorrow's You Said It)

I do believe there are people who shouldn't use cell phones in traffic. I like the Maine law now where people under 18 can't use them. They are always a risk to begin with, and there are certainly people who are over 18 who shouldn't even drive! Does that mean people shouldn't use cell phones? No, I just think people need to use better judgement when using a phone. Such as only texting/talking at a stoplight or sign, or if you're on the go in heavy traffic put the phone down and concentrate on the road. They should make a hands-free texting device!

Blah Blah Blah

Blah Blah Blah

Look though. We are all adults here for the most part. Yeah I go off on certain things but: (BDN please put this in tomorrow's You Said It)

I do believe there are people who shouldn't use cell phones in traffic. I like the Maine law now where people under 18 can't use them. They are always a risk to begin with, and there are certainly people who are over 18 who shouldn't even drive! Does that mean people shouldn't use cell phones? No, I just think people need to use better judgement when using a phone. Such as only texting/talking at a stoplight or sign, or if you're on the go in heavy traffic put the phone down and concentrate on the road. They should make a hands-free texting device!

How did we ever survive without cell phones in the "good old days"?!

Been a long time coming in my opinion. Cell phone and texting while driving is almost a bigger hazzard than OUI!

Shiretown.net - Aroostook County's Discussion Forum

if they ban cell phone use does this mean that the cops have to do the same because i have seen cops in the greater bangor/brewer area on there phones just as much to...i just think its rediculious that we live in a free country and maine is trying to take it all away...lets hope that they dont pass this and that we get to have our rights

if they ban cell phone use does this mean that the cops have to do the same because i have seen cops in the greater bangor/brewer area on there phones just as much to...i just think its rediculious that we live in a free country and maine is trying to take it all away...lets hope that they dont pass this and that we get to have our rights

By voting for democrats time and time again and with a continued democrat majority in the congress, you are empowering the already liberal government to impose laws that only make it more difficult fo the average person to live in Maine!

Four Democrats...Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Cumberland, Rep. George Hogan, D-Old Orchard Beach, Rep. Paulette Beaudoin, D-Biddeford, and Rep. Patsy Crockett, D-Augusta all introduced NANNY legislation...for your safety, of course!

Stop it!...Stop it!...STOP IT!

DO YOUR JOB YOU WERE ELECTED TO DO!

LOWER TAXES AND INCREASE JOBS HERE IN MAINE!

In fact...that ought to be your only job description!

Stop telling us how to live!

LOL does aroostook county even get good service?

Every day I see people driving, waiting in line at the post office, grocery store, EVERYWHERE, even riding a freakng bike on Union Street in Bangor during heavy traffic on cell phones. No matter where I go there are people yapping away with a little box stuck to their head ..... and to the woman yelling at your kid (which was about 2 feet from MY damned ear in line at Walmart) because the kid broke curfew...try TALKING TO THE KID IN PERSON??? Geezuz people. And gawd help the stupid idiot who ever involves me in an accident because they were yapping on a damn phone. Yah, yah, yah ... cell phones are great for many reasons...but lets get a clue on the correct way to use them and/or when NOT to ....

most states all ready hace laws about cell phones while driving. About time maine does somthing, Maine is always 10years behide everyone else why,??//

King ,I can afford a cell phone,I am a involved Dad,I have a busy life and, I am at peace w myself .I choose not to have a cell phone .I personally think it rude for people to text will speaking w me ,also when i see people shopping its odd to have them talking like they are at home .I see young people heads down texting while driving I dont know but that seems like i have to pay more attention to them because they are trying read cryptic notes on a 1 inch screen .It is dangerous to talk/text while driving.

King ,I can afford a cell phone,I am a involved Dad,I have a busy life and, I am at peace w myself .I choose not to have a cell phone .I personally think it rude for people to text will speaking w me ,also when i see people shopping its odd to have them talking like they are at home .I see young people heads down texting while driving I dont know but that seems like i have to pay more attention to them because they are trying read cryptic notes on a 1 inch screen .It is dangerous to talk/text while driving.

You know who also banned cell phones... the nazis

Is that what those tin cans with strings attached were? Those wily Germans!

Did I see someone say only 2600 people being killed was a pretty small number to warrant legislation. Seems we went to war for about that many people being killed. What if that one of those 2600 were a family member, what if part of that 2600 was a bus full of kids, would legislation be warranted? Maybe we should just get rid of all the laws. People with common sense wont speed, drive drunk, stop at stop signs and lights. And well the stupid people will do what they want any ways so have at it. Now where did I see that tank sale?

lol... at least someone gets a joke now and then

I was taught in driver's ed that both hands should be on the wheel while driving. How do you do that when you are using a hand held cell phone?

I was taught in driver's ed that both hands should be on the wheel while driving. How do you do that when you are using a hand held cell phone?

Yeah just what I want, confined to a wheelchair for life because someone was driving down the road texting their BFF about who's gonna win American Idol.

I was never taught how to drive, but when learning it all happened with your arm out the window, fingertips steering, other arm going between changing the 8 tracks and feeling up your girlfriend who was sitting in the middle snuggled up! Talking on a cell and driving is simple compared to that!

I was taught in driver's ed to keep both hands on the wheel while driving. How do you do that when you are holding a cell phone to one ear?

Hands free - fine. Banning cell phone use altogether - not ok. I do remember that before I had a cell-phone things were fine, I didn't have a need for it as I do my current job. I'm also ok with no texting while in the car because I think that's harder than actually talking on the phone...you have to keep looking up and down to get the letters right (at least on older cell phones). Why not just make a one or two minute call and get all your "messages" out that way? If people are too careless to use a phone and drive at the same time then they shouldn't be using it. Unfortunately, these people are not likely to stop any time soon and a law won't stop them either...unless they actually get caught. Hiding a cell phone from the cops is probably easier than hiding a smoking cigarette.

Rick 32 sez:

"2600 people nationally - I wonder how many people die annually riding ATV's, snowmobiles, falling off bikes without a helmet, etc. Let's ban those too, huh?"

Uh, Ricky - snowmobiles, ATV's etc don't usually claim the lives of innocent parties. Many cell phone users zone out when talking and driving (with one hand) and some drive as badly as drunks.

"Pretty small number to warrant legislation."

Get back with us when someone you know and love is taken away from you by a "Chatty Cathy" or "Motormouth Mike".

"Leave it alone - you cannot force common sense on people who do not have it."

Your post makes that clear, Rick.

If such a Statute gets passed, you can rest assured that it will exclude Police Officers, State Legislators, Judges and any other individual who donated more than $5 to any of the legislators' election campaigns. It would be similar to the statute that essentially makes legislators immune from speeding tickets when they are driving to or from Augusta on legislative business. All of these people are superior to us average, air-breathing mortals who still require exhaust fans in out bathrooms because our fecal droppings stink --- unlike theirs.

Look out, folks. When cell phones are banned from cars only criminals in cars will have cell phones.

Okay Folks, what it really come down to is control and money. We have the fifth largest legislature in the country. We have 180 plus legislators laying awake in bed trying to think up ways to get any money we may have left after their out of control spending. Then bring on the lay people that go to them because there is something they down like and what do you get......another John Doe bill. Lets get them allow COMMON SENSE to reemerge and they will see we can think for ourselves. They may be surprised with the out-come and see WE are doing okay without their help. We are home taking care of ourselves and not part of the "Dog & Pony Show" in Augusta. Find out how many tickets for cell phones are written and compare it to the cost of writing one, if this bill passes. Save money in Augusta...cut the size of the legislature. Have two representatives and one senator from each of the sixteen counties. That's a total of 48 people. That will cut almost 140 people and their expense accounts. Think about it.

Maine ~ Hang up and Drive!!!!!

Maine ~ Hang up and Drive!!!!!

The is an even more dangerous item that everyone in the state has contact with on a daily basis that is causing more than 7000 deaths each year. I am surprised that the legislators have not decided to ban that as well, or at least regulate it to the point where is cuts this number down considerably. After all if 2600 people dying warrant a law, 7000 people dying should be a number that makes it a "no-brainer" to get a law passed.

I wonder, in those accidents that have caused the death of someone, how many times did the drivers blame the cell phone, thinking that it was a better answer as to what had happened than what really was going on.

Oh yes, the more dangerous item that causes much more death than talking on a cell phone when driving, plain old water. Over 7000 drown each and every year in the USA alone.

Texting should be against the law period. if your in an accident and texting is suspected id say the phone records should be under subpoena phone use while driving? WHY not no different then talking to a passenger ...hands free would be better..but don't we have enough GOVERNMENT. WHATS NEXT dvd PLAYERS IN CARS KIDS WATCH..? computers in police cars how are the no distracted just cause they have a badge I see them using them driving...Ipods walking down the street ..lmao..in NY that bill is a joke what about the DEAF?

Well always thinking, how is someone else going to drown me? If it was just the people talking on the phone who kill themselves with their own stupidity, then I would have no problem with it. It's the fact that they take out someone else thats the problem.

Well always thinking, how is someone else going to drown me? If it was just the people talking on the phone who kill themselves with their own stupidity, then I would have no problem with it. It's the fact that they take out someone else thats the problem. And to be perfectly honest, I don't want to die just because somebody decides to call home while they are driving to see what everyone wants for dinner.

Mr. Diamond's b r o a d view extends way too far! Especially with NO clear factual statements. ....doesn't he have it backwards???

CELL PHONES ARE the Problem! People can't move today without a phone attached to their ear. It is tactless behavior. Don't like it in the grocery store either. or in elevators, or doctors offices, or buses, public waiting areas, It is just plain rude! Emergency use is what they are for, not conversing in public or on the jobs or in the corridors AND MEETINGS. To name a FEW. I certainly agree with too much 'personal' legislation but this excessive phone use is way out of hand. If there is another way to restrict the use of phones that should be pursued. Now, will the punishment fit the crime??? or be excessive??? Would these people get jail time, while Tobin walks? or Bagojavich RETIRES? or Paulson is hanged???

I really think that is where 'our state' legislators HEADS should be at right NOW in time.

Hell, I wonder how many children have died because their parent was driving and talking on the phone as opposed to how many have died because their parent was SMOKING and driving?

People are so stupid! I drive every day on my cell... never have I even came close to hitting anyone! How do you stop your car? With Your feet... How do you look at the road? with Your eyes.... so why cant you drive again???? Dont tell me you need both hands on the wheel, one is enough. People on this page sayin you cant fix stupid are RITE!! If you are looking at the road and the traffic there is no way to crash and if you do crash its not because your talking on your phone. Its because were are stupid and cant drive. Pullin off the road to talk would cause more problems because if you cant drive and hold something in your hands then I would hate to see what you would do pullin back into traffic. Please scream at your kids while smoking a cig and having your morning coffee but damn dont talk on your phone!! STUPID!!!!

Holy smokes, what are they going ban next DVD Players so I can't watch a movie on my way to Portland, I hope they don't ban GPS systems or reading materials like maps and note pads. I was talking to my wife the other day on the way Bangor....OOPS, I hope they don't ban talking to passengers while driving, my wife won't be able to drive at all because she does talk with her hands quite abit .... will that be outlawed as well? I hope not because she wouldn't be able to utter a word. Mmm, maybe thats not a bad thing. I hope passing a little gas isn't outlawed then I couldn't drive because quite frankly other drivers scare the crap out of me at times and I scare myself especially when I am eating a subway sandwich and watching the DVD answering a call on the cell phone trying to quiet the kids and while readjust the GPS on my to acadia national park.

So micmac415 how exactly do you dial a phone while looking at the road? How do you read or write a text message while driving? One hand on the wheel is enough hugh? Next time someone runs a red light in front of you when you have the right of way, see how quickly you grab the wheel with the "other" hand. It's instinctive, because your brain knows you have more control that way.

Why don't we just ban driving motorized vehicles all together! Isn't that the ultimate goal of the left? Then we can all peddle our bikes around while wearing our wool socks and berken stock sandles.

The state wants to spend money on this Legislation when we pay these taxes and the time that it takes the legislature to talk about this. I don't care if the law passes banning cell phones. How many times have you driven by a cop and seen him typing away on his laptop while driving down the road?

Why do you need to talk on the phone while driving, people have always driven in the past without a phone glued to their ear. It's just a habit, if you want to

talk to someone wait until you get home and call whoever you wanted to talk to, and texting is even worse because you are taking your eyes off from the road and not paying attention to what is going on around you. Why should someone get hurt or even killed because you are not paying attention to the road.

How would all these people have survived 10-15 years ago without something stuck on the side of their heads? You should decide if you want to gossip or

or drive, when you get behind the wheel you should get your priorities straight before you even turn the key.

It takes less time for a person to click 2 buttons to pick a number out of the phone book then it takes people to pick up thier coffee or soda out of the cup holder. I never said anything about textin. If someone runs a red light..... I say thank you for the new car. Someone running a red light has nothing to do with me talkin on my phone and if they run the red light because they were on thier phone then they are one of the stupid people that I am talking about. If someone tells me they drive with two hands all the time they are crazy. 90% of people talk to the other people in the car or sing along with the radio.... what is the difference in that and talking to someone on the phone? There is no difference.... People just want to blame something for them being stupid.

Everyday they, (lawmakers), are tring to strip us of our rights. These knee-jerk, feel good, waste of time laws are just that, a waste of time. Why should cops and firefighters be above a law? These so called "heros" are no different than anyone else. I have seen a ME State Trooper typing on his computer while driving down Broadway in Bangor, how safe is that. Augusta needs to work on the real issues, but if nothing else you know they will accept their raises.

I've seen a lot, and I mean A LOT of reckless driving due to these things. I think this bill is a long time coming. Listening to the radio and/or talking with a passenger while focusing on driving is a lot different(for most) than trying to hold a conversation with someone who isn't in the vehicle. Cell phones CAN make some forget where they are and what they're supposed to be doing for a moment. That's all it takes. I've been behind tons of people, who I'd swear were drunk, watching them drive erratically all over the road. I'd pass them and sure enough they were talking on the cell phone. While bringing my daughter back to school after vacation in Bangor recently, I got to witness a driver on a cell phone almost hit the support post in front of Bull Moose music while trying to park his vehicle and talking on the cellie at the same time. During this drive, I also got to witness two people running stop signs. I looked closely and saw the telltale light and hunched shoulder of a person on the cell phone. If most people can't multitask efficiently outside of a vehicle, what in Gods name makes them think they can get behind the wheel of a dangerous machine and fare any better. This law won't protect 'stupid people' as someone wrote. This law is to protect the innocent people that these 'stupid people' hurt. And yes, if they pass this law, it should also apply to LEO's!

BTW, the guy in the photo is having his peripheral vision impaired. It'd suck for him if someone else, who was texting while driving, ran a stop sign and ran right into him.

There is so many topics that I am for and against...but my biggest problem is the fact of when the Goverment buys my car for me...Then they can tell me what I can and can't do in my car...until then...I'm going to do whatever I want in MY CAR because it was bought and paid for by me!

LincolnMOM, mabe they should make a law against mailboxes too. Just kidding, but I do agree, I am also guilty of talking on my phone and have made stupid mistakes from not paying attention so I am going to use my earpiece anyway law or no law, just because it is safer. I think that should be something ppl should just plain be responsible about anyway not have to have a law to function.

I agree that cell phone usage is to the extreme and we should make better judgement in the areas we are using them like dr offices, confined areas, yes I certainly agree. Use common sense! But, who made the rule that cell phones are only for emergencys, thats crazy. No place does it read in my contract at unicel that my phone is for emergencies only. Mariahstorm my phone is part of my job, I need it for my job,

Great comment, Cookie!!!

Ban the damn things!

Hey - maybe we could just let Mr. Obama decide for us - afterall with the new taxes, loss of jobs, sticking economy who can afford a cell phone?

How is talking on a cell phone any different than talking to a person in the car with you?!? It's not. Hands free at the least should be the law, and you should not be allowed to DIAL while driving, but not band it all together. What if your'e driving trying to get away from someone, and need to call the cops? How would that be handled? And also what about the On-Star Cell program..where it dials and rings in the car while you're driving..will they take that out of vehicles now?