Law enforcement applauds cell phone ban for motorists

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) - Law enforcement agencies in Indiana say a bill to prohibit drivers from using their cell phones in any way while driving would make the state's roadways a lot safer than they are.

The ban that was authored by State Rep. Holli Sullivan of Evansville cleared the Roads and Transportation Committee this week and now awaits action by the full House. Because the legislation is on Gov. Eric Holcomb's priority list for this year's session, it seems likely the bill will ultimately pass.

Law enforcement can now ticket drivers for texting. But since motorists are allowed to do everything from typing a phone number to scrolling through their contacts, they say the law is extremely difficult to enforce.

And that, they say, puts drivers and pedestrians in danger.

"It poses a risk to everyone because they may not see the light changing, the child running across the street," Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding told the Evansville Courier & Press. 'œIt's a distraction from what you're doing.'ť

Sullivan said 21 states already have similar laws, including Illinois. 'œIt is time for Indiana to act in order to save lives," he said.