Members of the Wisconsin state Legislature announced a bill Thursday that would require Wisconsin residents to use hands-free devices to use cell phones while driving.
Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, and state Sen. John Lehman, D-Racine, co-sponsored the bill to decrease casualties caused by distracted driving, according to a statement.
"It is important for Wisconsin to take the strong step toward ending this unsafe behavior on our roads," Barca said in the statement. "This is a common-sense public safety proposal that would help keep Wisconsin’s drivers and pedestrians safe. We must use technology, such as hands-free options, whenever possible to enhance safety."
The Wisconsin State Patrol found 18 percent of crashes and 14 percent of fatal crashes in 2009 were caused in part by distracted driving, according to the statement.
The law would provide exemptions for drivers touching their phones to place or receive a call, the use of GPS or two-way radios and reporting an emergency, according to the statement. Special allowances will also be made for emergency personnel.
If passed, the law would not go into effect for one year, to allow drivers a chance to purchase hands-free equipment, according to the statement.
