http://www.azstarnet.com/public/dnews/LX7924.html
Friday, 14 January 2000
By Howard Fischer
Capitol Media Services
PHOENIX - Lawmakers decided yesterday to punish cell-phone-using
motorists with dirty looks and nothing more.
A Senate panel refused to make it a crime to drive while talking
on the phone. The 4-4 vote came although sponsor Tom Smith, R-Phoenix,
was willing to weaken the bill to get more support. He would have
allowed cell phones if cars had hands-free accessories.
Smith may get another chance to make his case. Sen. Harry Mitchell,
D-Tempe, who opposed the bill yesterday, later agreed to change
his mind when the committee meets again next week. That would
provide the margin for approval by the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Mitchell said he still doesn't like the idea. But he said he promised
to support it in committee, giving it a chance to get to the full
Senate.
The plan still faces a cadre of lobbyists from the cell phone
industry who insist that driving while chatting is no more dangerous
than driving while eating french fries.
Smith, who does not own a cell phone, insisted he has nothing
against them. In fact, he said, they can prove useful for safety.
``I personally think every woman in the nation should have one,''
he said.
But the distractions of gabbing, he said, make it dangerous while
moving down the road.
Sen. Scott Bundgaard, R-Glendale, said that if the issue is motorist
attention then Smith's bill doesn't go far enough. He introduced
an amendment to make it illegal for drivers to eat, smoke, discipline
their children or even play a cassette.
The amendment failed. But the point was made as others lined up
against the bill.
Sen. Peter Rios, D-Dudleyville, recalled how his vehicle was struck
from behind by someone who happened to be on a cell phone. ``That
could have easily been a person reaching over to get a few more
french fries,'' he said in voting against the bill. ``I can't
support singling out one activity over all the rest.''
Smith vowed to try to resurrect the measure, but conceded that
may prove difficult given the level of hostility toward his plan.
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