By Jeff Wentworth
State Senator, District 25

The 79th Texas Legislature left on hold bills that would have limited the use of cell phones in moving vehicles to those that were used with hands-free devices.

As the 80th legislative session nears, many of you have contacted me about restricting the use of cell phones. In addition, 16,000 of you registered your opinion about cell phones being used in moving vehicles in your responses to questionnaires in newsletters I mailed to registered voters in the six counties in Senate District 25.

In my 2004 newsletter, 70 percent of you responded that you favored restrictions on cell phone usage in moving vehicles. That number increased to 75 percent in 2005. Your responses and contacts encouraged me to upgrade my 2005 cell phone bill, so in December I pre-filed a new and improved version for consideration by the Legislature when it convenes on Jan. 9. Senate Bill 154 prohibits the use of any wireless communication device while driving, unless it is used with a hands-free device. My bill also addresses the increased sophistication of wireless communication technology. Currently, users may surf the Web, play video games, check stock prices and send and receive text messages on cell phones, pagers, Blackberries and other wireless communication devices. To ensure that drivers are not text messaging, calling, playing games or checking sports scores while driving, Senate Bill 154 prohibits using all forms of wireless communication devices, not just cell phones, while a vehicle is moving, unless the driver is using a hands-free device.

Distractions other than wireless communication devices may cause drivers to turn their attention from the road. Putting in a CD, changing a radio dial, answering a child’s question, calming a crying infant or petting the family dog certainly can distract drivers.

Although any distraction may result in a driver’s becoming inattentive to the task at hand, wireless communication devices may require drivers to look away from the road for longer periods while dialing, text messaging or checking messages.

Since 1999, according to information provided by the National Conference of State Legislatures, 39 states have proposed legislation related to cell phone usage, and every state has considered legislation related to driver distraction.

My bill would allow drivers to use wireless communication devices to call 9-1-1, a hospital, an ambulance, the fire department, a health clinic, a medical doctor’s office, an individual to administer first aid or the police.

Operators of emergency vehicles may use wireless communication devices any time they are acting in an official capacity.

Traffic safety is a serious problem in Texas. While alcohol is the leading cause of accidents, about 25 percent of all vehicle crashes are related to distracted drivers, according to the National Transportation Safety Administration.

Because using wireless communication devices while driving increases the chance of a motor vehicle accident, I believe my bill will save the lives of cell phone users and of those who must share Texas’ highways with them.

Texas Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) represents District 25, which includes part of Bexar County. He can be reached via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it