Boise (670 KBOI News) – Do you like to yakk on the phone as you’re driving? Maybe check your texts or email? It could cost you if a bill headed to the Senate floor becomes law.
Senate Bill 1283 would make it illegal to hold a phone to your ear, or look at the screen while your vehicle is moving, says Michael Kane of the Property and Casualty Insurance Association.
He told the Committee electronics-related crashes in Idaho are up significantly in the last two years.
“What we’re finding is that with the use of the iPad, in particular, people are actually watching You Tube, Netflix, Facebook, Messenger, G Mail, while driving,” said Kane. “When that happens, you have one hand off the wheel at least, you have your eyes usually somewhere other than the road, and you have your mind somewhere else.”
The first infraction would cost you $100, after that it would be $250.
The Committee voted to send the bill to the amending order, which means it has cleared committee, but being sent back for minor changes before the full Senate votes on it.
