Left lane; prohibit use of hand-held mobile telephones while driving in.
Impact
The enforcement of this bill, once enacted, places additional restrictions on driver behavior, similar to existing traffic violations. It reclassifies violations of its provisions as misdemeanors, enhancing penalties that reflect the seriousness of distracted driving. The legislation is expected to impact traffic laws significantly by addressing specific cases of mobile telephone use, which is a known contributor to accidents. Furthermore, it stipulates the maintenance of records by the Department of Public Safety regarding the demographics of offenders and any related incidents, potentially providing insight into the effectiveness of the law in changing driver behavior and improving road safety.
Summary
House Bill 960 proposes an amendment to Section 63-33-1 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, which aims to enhance road safety by prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile telephones by drivers operating a moving motor vehicle in the outermost lane of multi-lane roadways. The ban includes writing, sending, or reading text messages, as well as accessing or posting to social networking sites while driving. The intent of this regulation is to reduce distractions for drivers, thereby decreasing the likelihood of accidents on busy roadways where the presence of multiple lanes can heighten risks associated with inattentive driving.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB 960 is the balance between road safety and personal freedom. Advocates of the bill argue that the regulation is a necessary step to protect lives and promote safer driving practices, citing data that links mobile phone use to increased accident rates. On the other hand, critics may view the bill as an overreach into personal responsibilities, questioning whether such regulations can be effectively enforced and if they appropriately address the broader issue of driver distraction. The definition of 'hands-free' devices is also likely to be debated, as exclusions may lead to misunderstandings about what constitutes permissible use while driving.
An Act Exempting Amateur Radio Operators Using Hand-held Radios From The Prohibition On Using Hand-held Mobile Telephones And Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving.