RESOLUTION 2012-01: Banning the Use of Handheld Cell
Phones While Operating a Motor Vehicle.
SUBMITTED BY: LARRY JOHNSON
Whereas, about 30% of Americans do not drive and a significant
number of these are persons with disabilities, including persons who
are blind or visually impaired; and,
Whereas, the National Transportation Safety Board, an independent
federal agency responsible for promoting traffic safety and
investigating accidents, recently recommended a ban on handheld
cell phone use by drivers, except in emergency circumstances; and,
Whereas, the National Safety Council reports that estimates show
that 1.3 million accidents involve drivers distracted by the use of cell
phones each year; and,
Whereas, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports
that 70,000 pedestrians are injured and 5,000 are killed by motor
vehicles each year; and,
Whereas, the NHTSA further reports that 80% of all accidents involve
a distracted driver, and that using a cell phone while driving is among
the top five distractions; and
Whereas, distracted drivers significantly imperil the safety of
pedestrians, including those who are blind or visually impaired; and
Whereas, 39 states already have distracted driving laws in place and
having Texas join this number could significantly contribute to
pedestrian safety in our state; and,
Whereas, the Texas House and Senate passed legislation in 2011 to
ban the use of text messaging by drivers while operating a vehicle but
this legislation was subsequently vetoed;
Now, therefore be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind of
Texas, in conference assembled at the Doubletree Hotel in Farmers
Branch, Texas, the 30th day of September 2012,
That ACB of Texas supports the introduction and passage of
legislation in the 2013 Texas Legislature to ban the use of handheld
cell phones by drivers except in the case of emergencies; and,
That the ACB of Texas Advocacy Committee actively seek legislative
sponsors of such legislation in both the Texas House and Senate;
and,
That all ACBT local chapters and state affiliates are encouraged to
actively support this vital legislative initiative by contacting their
respective State Senators and House Representatives and
requesting their support of passage of such legislation; and,
That a copy of this resolution be sent to Governor Rick Perry with a
letter from the President of ACB of Texas encouraging the Governor
to sign such legislation if passed by the Texas Legislature.
Committee recommendation:
_X__Do pass
___No recommendation
Adopted 09/30/2012.