The headline pretty much says it all. State Senator Tracey Eide (D-Federal Way) wants to upgrade talking on your cellphone while driving from a "secondary"  to a "primary" offense. 

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Currently police can only issue cellphone citations if they have already pulled a motorist over for a primary offense—something like failing to use a turn signal, speeding, or not wearing a seatbelt (a citation that, like cellphones now, used to be a secondary offense—something cops can issue if you're behaving like a dick, or if they really want to make your day miserable ... or at least so says my cop-father).

But if Eide's bill passes (we're still waiting on a bill number, then we'll post it) cops will be able to pull you over and give you a ticket if they merely observe you talking on the phone while behind the wheel.  Rep. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle/Good Vibes) will apparently  be sponsoring a companion bill in the House.

But there's more! To demonstrate how truly dangerous talking on the phone and driving is, Senator Eide is inviting members of the media to Qwest field next week, to drive on a test course while blabbing on their cellphones. This strikes me as somewhat ridiculous, because as any politician or reporter will tell you, there are very few people who like talking on their cellphones while driving more than politicians and reporters. Nonetheless, this coming Wednesday afternoon yours truly will be in attendance, and I will post a report from An Afternoon With Senator Eide.

For those interested, I've included the press release.

 

Sen. Eide invites media to drive while operating cell phones in safety exercise

 

OLYMPIA – Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, invites members of the media to participate in a unique media event that will measure motorists’ abilities to drive while talking or texting on cell phones.

 

The event coincides with legislation Eide will propose in the 2010 legislative session to make texting or holding a cell phone while driving a primary offense. Legislation by Eide in 2007 made such uses secondary offenses, but studies since then have shown that cell phone use while driving poses a steadily increasing threat to public safety.

 

“Studies show that texting drivers are as dangerous on the road as drivers with a blood-alcohol level of .16 — twice the legal limit,” Eide said. “When you consider that two-thirds of teen drivers say they text and drive, we’ve got a critical public-safety issue on our hands. We need to strengthen our laws.”

 

Rep. Reuven Carlyle, D-Seattle, plans to sponsor a companion bill in the House and will also attend Wednesday’s event.

 

“I’m deeply honored to work with Sen. Eide to improve safety on our roads and to help teenagers learn how important it is to be responsible behind the wheel,” he said.

 

Following short remarks by Eide and other proponents, media participants will be able to drive the course approximately from 11:30 to 1 p.m.

 

The driving test will be structured and monitored by safety experts who will track participants’ driving performance on a controlled course of rubber cones. Media are encouraged to bring support staff to film or record their participation for what should provide unusually colorful broadcasts, radiocasts and print media accounts.

 

The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, in the north parking lot of Qwest Field, accessed from South King Street and 2nd Ave. S.

 

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For more information: 

Lindsay Pease, Driven to Distraction Task Force, 206-375-6536

Rick Manugian, Senate Democratic Communications, 360-786-7569