Atlanta

Bill would outlaw cellphone use while driving in Georgia

ATLANTA — A state lawmaker wants to ban the use of cellphones by drivers, unless they're hands-free.

State Rep. Keisha Waites,D-Atlanta, says deadly crashes caused by distracted drivers are at an all-time high. She believes getting cellphones out of the hands of anyone behind the wheel would save lives.

“It’s common sense legislation,” Waites told Channel 2’s Ashley Swann. “There was a time when we didn’t want to wear our seat belts. But we all understand now that it does make a difference in saving lives.”

Bill would outlaw using your phone while driving, unless hands-free

Waites’ recently filed House Bill 7 would allow for hands-free calls only. Violators would face a $150 fine.

“When you look at the number of teens we’ve lost in Georgia. When you look at the social media craze, the long commutes, the fact that 285 is one of the deadliest highways in America, certainly there is a need,” Waites said.

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Waites says the bill would allow for a few exceptions, such as emergency calls to 911.

“It’s going to be very difficult to enforce this,” Waites told Swann. “But we just want to make sure that people are getting in the mindset that now we should not have a phone to our heads while driving, and that’s the goal, to change the culture.”

Waites acknowledges some drivers won't like the idea. In fact, she's already receiving messages on social media against it. Still, Waites insists it would make a positive impact.

“I think when you look at burying your loved one, certainly the cost of a precious life, it’s worth the inconvenience,” she said.

Waites plans to revise the bill to allow all penalty funds to go towards driver's education training for teens and local trauma centers.