RI House approves texting while driving ban

The Associated Press
Published: October 30, 2009

PROVIDENCE—A proposal to ban Rhode Islanders from texting while driving is one step closer to becoming law.

The state House of Representatives on Thursday approved legislation that would bar drivers from sending, writing or reading a text message while behind the wheel.

Bill sponsor Peter Kilmartin, D-Pawtucket, said the proposal is common sense legislation that will cut injuries and deaths on the state’s roads. The former police officer said he was almost struck by a driver texting while working a detail a decade ago.

The state Senate previously approved the bill. It now goes to the governor for consideration.

Kilmartin said his next goal is pass hands-free cell phone legislation.

Reader Reactions

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Flag Comment Posted by alkeryia on November 01, 2009 at 1:23 am

Distracted driving, in any form, is already against the law. I agree that texting while driving is extremely dangerous, so is applying makeup or, sandwich in one hand, cigarette in the other. The dog thing makes me nuts. While these people clearly have no regard for others on the road, neither do they care about the pets they cannot be without long enough for a trip to the milk store. In a crash their beloved pet becomes a projectile; even that knowledge doesn’t stop them. Bottom line, we need better enforcement of distracted driving laws already on the books.

Flag Comment Posted by mpd444 on October 31, 2009 at 4:24 pm

How are the police officers going to know whether a driver is texting or simply making a call? To implement this correctly, the use of all hand-held devices while driving should be banned as they are in New York.

Flag Comment Posted by Chesapeake on October 30, 2009 at 1:05 pm

Every day in 2008, over 800,000 people were texting, making calls, or using a handheld cell phone while driving in the United States. With distracted driving killing nearly 6,000 Americans in the same year, it’s no mystery that cell phone use is risky for drivers.

Flag Comment Posted by SCOOBY125 on October 30, 2009 at 12:29 pm

RIGHT ON Nanny51

Flag Comment Posted by Saltydog on October 30, 2009 at 10:05 am

Nanny51: There is a law already on the books that says that you have to have your pets restrained in some way and not be able to get in the drivers way. Turn them in when you see them.

Flag Comment Posted by nanny51 on October 30, 2009 at 9:56 am

While you’re at it, please ban people from driving with their dogs/pets in their lap, putting makeup on, reading, and other really STUPID acts that also put lives in danger! I saw an idiot driver a few weeks ago with two dogs in his lap. Still trying to figure out how he managed to grip the steering wheel while maneuvering around eight legs (none of which were his own)!

Flag Comment Posted by Mary-Frances on October 30, 2009 at 7:48 am

once that is passed they should proceed to banning cell phones while driving..we didn’t have them years ago and SURVIVED…I understand things have changed but the safety of all our loved ones hasn’t.

Flag Comment Posted by Saltydog on October 30, 2009 at 7:39 am

This should be a no-brainer. I drive 50,000 miles a year and see so many drivers texting or distracted by talking on their phones. I always use hands free with voice commands. Only way to go while driving.

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