Colorado Republicans put the knife in a hands-free cell phone ban on Monday, reportedly after a long bashing of Sen. Bob Bacon's bill. The Senate did pass an amended HB 1094 with a ban on text messaging and a prohibition of cell phone use by drivers under 18. (Update: The watered-down legislation was signed by Gov. Bill Ritter on June 1, 2009.) The Colorado Spring Gazette had this choice quote from Sen. Keith King, R-Colorado Springs, who wondered why the "ridiculous" bill only banned handheld cell phones while the vehicle was in motion: "At every stoplight, watch from now on, if we pass … [Read more...]

Pennsylvania state legislators aren't stopping at voting against cell phone driving bills. Now, they're trying to force Philadelphia to abandon its recently adopted ban against handheld cell phones while driving. State Rep. Richard Geist, R-Blair, leads the charge against the public-safety rebels in Philly. His amendment to the state teenage driving legislation HB 67 would cut off Philadelphia from most of its share of gas-tax revenue and other highway funding if the city goes ahead with the local ban. HB 67 was approved in the House on Monday. It includes a ban on cell phones for young … [Read more...]

Deaths, injuries and court sentences resulting from drivers who allegedly were chatting on cell phones or text messaging. These reports from police and the courts were gathered in the past 10 days or so. HOUSTON -- Police say Chanton B. Jenkins was talking on his cell phone when he lost control of the car, plunging it into a rain-filled ditch and killing five children. Jenkins was charged with four counts of intoxication manslaughter in the crash. (From AP) YORK, Pa. - A south-central Pennsylvania driver accused of text-messaging just before a crash that killed a pedestrian has been … [Read more...]