Lawmakers wants Missourians to use hands-free cell phones while driving
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Lawmakers wants Missourians to use hands-free cell phones while driving

Date: February 17, 2009
By: Brian Jarvis
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 26

Intro: A dozen states have laws that restrict drivers from using their hand-held cell phones. One lawmaker says Missouri should too.

Brian Jarvis has more from Jefferson City.

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OutCue: SOC

St. Louis County Republican Representative Joe Smith is sponsoring a bill that would require Missourians to use hands-free cell phones while driving, or none at all.

After five years of failing to get a hearing, on Tuesday Smith finally made himself heard.

 

Actuality:  SMITH1.WAV
Run Time: 00:08
Description: People are not paying attention when they're driving and they need to focus on driving. I will not be taking their rights to talk on their phone. All I'm asking is they use a hands-free device.


Smith told the public safety committee that he has come close to being hit by other drivers who concentrate too much on their cell phones and not enough on the road.  

Last year, a text-messaging truck driver killed three people and injured fifteen after ramming his tractor trailer into 10 cars backed up on the interstate.

From Jefferson City, I'm Brian Jarvis. 


Intro: A Missouri lawmaker says all drivers should use hands-free cell phones. But many of his colleagues are dead set against it.

Brian Jarvis has more from Jefferson City.

RunTime:0:48
OutCue: SOC

St. Louis County Republican Representative Joe Smith says Missourians should be able to use cell phones while driving -- as long as their hands stay on the wheel. 

Last year, a text-messaging truck driver killed three people and injured fifteen after ramming his tractor trailer into 10 cars backed up on the interstate.

Some of Smith's colleagues question whether a hand-held cell-phone ban could be enforced.

Webb City Republican Representative Bryan Stevenson says the bill is too much government.

 

Actuality:  STEVEN2.WAV
Run Time: 00:12
Description: There has to be a balance and our job as elected officials is to find that balance. And I think this is just a little excessive. It's a little much intrusion.

Except for Smith, no witnesses spoke for or against the bill on Tuesday.

From Jefferson City, I'm Brian Jarvis.