RI Senate Passes Bill that Bans Hand-Held Cell Phone Use Behind the Wheel

While everyone agrees that texting while driving is about as safe as driving drunk, many don’t realize that talking on a cell phone while holding the phone to your head can be just as distracting.

Soon, Rhode Island drivers could face fines up to $100 for chatting with one hand on the wheel after the Rhode Island Senate on Thursday passed a bill sponsored by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski of South Kingstown and NEw Shoreham that outlaws the practice.

Police and rescue personnel are excluded, but any any motorist caught driving with a non-hands-free device could face a fine if caught by June 1 of 2017 -- assuming the House passes a companion bill sponsored by Rep. Teresa A. Tanzi of South Kingstown and Narragansett.

“Unfortunately, it is no longer enough to fine people for texting while driving because talking on the phone while having one hand off of the wheel is equally distracting,” Senator Sosnowski said. “Admittedly, many of us have grown accustomed to using mobile devices in almost every aspect of our lives, including in our cars and trucks. This is especially true for our younger population, who grew up with this kind of technology embedded in their daily lives. It’s important not to forget that every time we step into a vehicle, we are taking our lives and the lives of others into our own hands.”

Connecticut passed similar legislation in 2005. Vermont enacted a ban in October of last year.

First time offenders could have their fines suspended if they show proof that they bought a hands-free accessory after getting the violation, much like a minor speeding ticket for drivers with clean records and no infractions over the prior three-year period.

A U.S. Department of Transportation report based on data from 2011 showed that 10 percent of all fatal car crashes involving people under 20 were “distracted” before the crash.

In the same year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that drivers in their 20s accounted for 27 percent of the distracted drivers in fatal crashes.

NHTSA estimated that at any given moment during the day about 660,000 drivers in the U.S. are using a phone or electronic device while driving.

“With each change in technology, it becomes our duty as lawmakers and protectors of our constituency to ensure that we make the appropriate adjustments to our statutes,” Senator Sosnowski added. “This is primarily about safety. There are already so many dangers and distractions on the road – the least we can do is work to minimize those potential threats.”

The Senate voted 32 to 0 to approve the bill, which will now be sent to the House, which is currently considering similar legislation (2015-H 5634) sponsored by Rep. Teresa A. Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett) in the House Judiciary Committee.