SEATTLE -- A warning to drivers: Hands off the cell phone and back on the wheel. Rules on cell phones and driving could soon get a lot stricter in Washington.
A state bill banning texting and driving is one step closer to becoming law.
Many of us know texting or talking while driving is distracting, even dangerous, but a lot of us still do it. Now a proposed state bill targeting texting and driving would make it a primary offense if police catch you doing it. And if you are caught texting and driving, the fine will cost you $124.
The bill was approved on an 86-12 vote Wednesday night, with lawmakers saying the step is necessary to improve road safety.
The definition of texting under the bill includes reading, writing or sending text messages. There are exceptions for emergencies in both the adult and under-18 provisions.
The state Senate previously approved a stricter version of the bill -- cell phone use without a headset would have been a primary offense under that approach -- so the measure must head back to the Senate for more debate.
And it's even stricter for young drivers. The measure also institutes a ban on all cell phone use for licensed drivers under 18, allowing police to stop those younger drivers even if they're using a headset.
"I like to talk and drive and we're safe drivers," said one Seattle teenager, who did not want to be named.
But many agree texting and talking while driving is too distracting and can cause accidents.
"I think it's ridiculous to drive and text at the same time, it's dangerous!" said Emily Radtke, driver.
"It makes me nervous to drive next to someone, whether they are talking or texting on a phone," said Nathan Sugg, driver.
Bill supporters say this tougher law is one of the best things we can do to keep our streets and our drivers safe.
"It's the equivalent of driving drunk. We don't tolerate drunks in Washington state. It's time to say hang up and drive," said Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way.
Rep. Reuven Carlyle, D-Seattle, said the Legislature should send a message that young drivers must not be distracted.
"Mobile phones have permeated every aspect of life," Carlyle said. "But when it comes to public safety, when it comes to young people, when it comes to the reality of decisions that they make, this legislation is an important step forward."
Rep. Dan Roach, R-Bonney Lake, said his preference for less government intrusion in private decisions initially made him skeptical of the bill.
But Roach said conversations with young constituents and parents convinced him the cell phone ban for young drivers was the right choice.
"Enforcement may be a little difficult," Roach said. "But I still think this is a good step."
The House and the Senate still need to agree on the details of the bill before it goes to Governor Chris Gregoire's desk.
The National Conference of State Legislatures has said that Washington is one of six states and the District of Columbia that have passed laws regulating cell phone use by drivers, but is the only one that considers the use of a phone without a handsfree device a secondary offense.
The bill is Senate Bill 6345.
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