Other States Consider Cell Phone Ban Law Like Washington l Seattle Accident Attorney

My good friend and colleague Mike Schafer, a personal injury attorney from the great state of Kentucky, informs me that his state is now considering enacting a cell phone ban law.  If it does, Kentucky will be the seventh state, in addition to the District of Columbia, that will prohibit drivers from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.

As many people in Washington state know, our legislature enacted a law back in July 2008 that bans the use of cell phones while driving.  A law that bans texting while driving went into effect this January 2009.  Recently, the local media reported on a study that showed that many drivers ignored the cell phone ban and continued to use cell phones while driving.

Mr. Schafer has published an article on his web site that discusses the specific legislation that is now being considered by the Kentucky legislature.  Two bills are being proposed.  There is opposition from the local offices of the cell phone industry, which was also the case when Washington state was considering a ban.  Mr. Schafer argues that the Kentucky law should impose stiffer penalties, including jail time for those who violate the cell phone ban law.  i don’t know if I’d go that far, but it is something to consider.