Hear me out: Legislators, stakeholders make their case for cell phone restrictions

Following testimony from a collection of advocates overwhelmingly in support of the bill, the much-anticipated public hearing on HB 2635—aka the “cell phone bill”—just concluded in the House Transportation Committee. Bill sponsor Rep. Reuven Carlyle acknowledged his initial hesitancy about the hand of government possibly reaching too far, but ultimately he was swayed by the “cold, hard reality of the statistics” and the compelling case they make for legislative action.

Co-sponsor Rep. Tina Orwall spoke to how the legislation would impact young drivers by setting a good tone during their formative years of learning how to operate a vehicle safely.

The Washington State Patrol also voiced its support of the bill, noting how much progress the state has made in recent years to enhance driver safety. This bill would be another step in the right direction toward the department’s goal of “Target Zero”—that is, no traffic fatalities.

Although no one seemed to voice outright opposition to the bill, several people posed other scenarios and ideas: Rep. Brad Klippert cited WSDOT stats showing other behaviors (eating, reading, etc.) that also play a role in distracted driving, so why single out cell phones? Rep. Dean Takko said whether a phone is held up to one’s ear or is used with a hands-free device, the cognitive impairment is similar—a point also emphasized by a Western Washington University cognitive researcher who testified.

General support for the bill seemed to be present, but the scope and approach of the bill will surely be debated back and forth as the session continues.