Rep. Joe Smith, R-St. Charles, has prefiled a bill which would the raise at which teens can apply for a driver's license from 16 to 18.
HB 1492 should be a favorite with the younger set.
Smith has also filed another bill designed to increase safeties on the highways and I would love to see this one enacted. HB 1429 would make it illegal to drive and talk on cellphones at the same time. Exceptions would be made for drivers of emergency vehicles, tow trucks, etc., and for hands-free devices.
My niece ran a stop sign shortly after receiving her driver's licence, caused by trying to dial her cell phone while driving. She collided with another car, and totaled her mom's car. There were no serious injuries, but it could have been a recipe for disaster.
ReplyDeleteBetty B.
I think the mark of a failed generation is one who did such a poor job raising their young that they try to take away the rights of the next generation. Be it drinking, driving. This is pathetic. Yes kids get in more wrecks, and so do (much)older drivers. Are we next going to put a maximum age on driving?
ReplyDeleteI guess he doesnt care since they cant vote against him. So all you parents out in St Charles - get ready to start driving the kids to school again.
No more summer jobs for the kids - all you business owners.
Maybe Parents should set the example and not use cell phones in the car. It isn't just minors causing the accidents.
I don't mind a driver talks on the phone as long as the driver is not distracted. Hands free is a good idea, but our police officers have other things to worry about. I don't believe a law should prohibit someone from communication with others while driving and I'm oppose to the bill.
ReplyDeleteIn Britain, the punishment is 2years in jail.
Just who are they trying to kid. I have a cell phone and I will use it in the car when I want to or need to. What happens in your car is much the same as what happens in your house. Its none of the government's damn business. The citizens of Missouri can carry a loaded gun in a car, but can't use a cell phone. I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteI agree that driving with a handset is extremely dangerous. We are way behind the rest of the world in this regard. Many other countries have made driving without a handsfree device a serious penalty for a number of years now. The U.S. only has about five states and a handful of cities (Chicago) that ban it. There are entirely too many situations in which using a handsfree device for cellular use would be needed (other dangerous drivers, accident witnessing, outside sales people, etc.). This is no different that speaking to a passenger.
ReplyDelete