Cell-phone driving restriction advances in Va. Senate

A bill that would prohibit motorists from using cell phones that do not have hands-free accessories while driving cleared the Senate Transportation Committee today.

"Basically it's about distracted driving," said Sen. Patricia S. Ticer, D-Alexandria, sponsor of Senate Bill 874. Ticer cited statistics showing that drivers are four times more likely to get into a motor vehicle accident when they are speaking on a cell phone.

The bill passed 9-6 in an amended form to allow drivers to use cell phones that are not equipped with hands-free devices when cars are legally stopped or parked. A similar law is in effect in the District of Columbia.

Ticer's bill is similar to a measure proposed by Sen. Harry B. Blevins, R-Chesapeake. The committee agreed to combine Ticer's bill with Blevins' Senate Bill 966.

The committee, however, narrowly rejected another motor vehicle safety bill that would allow police to pull over vehicles when the driver or front seat passengers are not using safety belts. Senate Bill 970, sponsored by Blevins, had the support of multiple insurance companies, the Automobile Association of America, state police and the office of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.

It also had the support of 10-year-old Alex Tarr of Sandston, who got permission from his school to come to Richmond to tell lawmakers that safety belts save lives. Tarr's aunt works at the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

But a majority of senators on the committee, including Tarr's representative, Sen. Ryan T. McDougle, R-Hanover, did not support the measure. It was defeated 6-5 by the 17-member committee in a meeting marked by intermittent absences of large numbers of legislators from both parties.

"It's a little disappointing," said Eileen Tarr, Alex's mother, who drove him to the state Capitol for his lesson in civics and politics. "It just seemed like common sense to me."

The committee also approved, 11-4, a bill that would require drivers to stop rather than yield to pedestrians crossing at marked crosswalks and unmarked roadway intersections that are not otherwise regulated by traffic lights.

Senate Bill 1239, sponsored by Sen. George L. Barker, D-Fairfax, only applies on roadways where the posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.

Contact Jim Nolan at (804) 649-0000 or .