BOSTON (AP) — Families of those killed in distracted driving accidents are asking Massachusetts lawmakers to pass legislation that would ban drivers from holding a cellphone to their ear to make a call while operating a car.
Foxborough resident Jerry Cibley’s 18-year-old son Jordan was killed in 2007 when he dropped his phone while driving, went to pick it up, and crashed into a tree. Jerry Cibley was on the other end of the phone.
Cibley said earlier attempts to pass tougher legislation have gotten stuck in committee, but he’s hopeful a bill will pass this year.
Rep. Thomas McGee, the House chair of the Transportation Committee, said technology has changed dramatically so there’s no need to be looking at a phone or holding a phone while driving.
A 2010 state law already bans texting while driving.
Very few people use a Bluetooth device. I drive professionals every day in Barnstable County and I have rarely seen a driver with a Bluetooth ear bud. I don’t understand why people feel the need to talk on their phones while trying to navigate the highway using one hand on the steering wheel.
It’s an accident waiting to happen!