Lawmaker Pushes For More Cell Phone Driving Rules

INDIANAPOLIS -- Amid a national push to curb distracted driving, an Indiana lawmaker is proposing stricter restrictions for Hoosiers using cell phones behind the wheel.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood hosted a summit Wednesday on dangerous driving practices, and said he would issue recommendations that could lead to restrictions on the use of some devices while driving.

State Rep. Vanessa Summers, D-Indianapolis, has tried to get legislation passed restricting the use of cell phones for the past eight years.

"I think everybody should use a hands-free system while they're driving in their cars," she told 6News' Renee Jameson. "One day Indiana will eventually wake up and not be behind the curve, but in front of it."

The Legislature passed a law last session that prohibited drivers under the age of 18 from talking on cell phones or text messaging while driving.

Still, not everyone had heeded the warning.

"Sometimes I text and I look up, and I'm almost in a wreck, and I have to slam my brake," said driver Lauren Hovson. "I shouldn't … because I know a lot of people that have gotten in wrecks like serious injuries, and it's not safe."

Studies suggest that drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to have a crash serious enough to injure themselves than those who do not talk while driving.

"I just think they should be used only in an emergency because, after a while, they're going to be the leading cause of accidents," said driver Leroy Baker.

Summers said she will push for more restrictions against next session.