THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

42

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002

  

STATE OF HAWAII

  
   

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

urging Hawaii cellular telephone companies to provide their customers with an information pamphlet on the safe use of cellular telephones and a safety video.

 

WHEREAS, cellular telephones have become a very popular and affordable commodity in today's society. The numerous safety benefits of carrying a cellular telephone in the car are well documented, including the ability to report accidents, road rage, dangerous driving, criminal behavior such as drunk driving, and requests for assistance for stranded motorists. Cellular telephones also enable people to keep conveniently in contact with family, friends, and society; and

WHEREAS, however, using cellular telephones while operating a motor vehicle creates a potentially dangerous situation, not only for other motorists but for pedestrians as well, and the number of accidents attributable to their misuse is increasing. According to a recent study published by the New England Journa1 of Medicine, the risk of the occurrence of an accident is four times more likely when the driver is busy conversing with someone on a cellular telephone, and the driver's attention is more apt to be on the discussion than on the road. As early as 1991, a study performed by the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety found that drivers using cellular telephones were twenty to thirty per cent more likely to be involved in a highway traffic accident situation; and

WHEREAS, in Hawaii, taxpayers are already being held financially responsible for damages arising from cellular telephone related traffic accidents. Last year, the State was found partially liable for the injuries of a pedestrian who was struck by a car driven by a state employee shortly after the driver had ended a cellular telephone conversation. The State's share of the victim's $7.5 million in damages was $1.5 million; and

WHEREAS, last year, New York became the first state in the nation to adopt a ban on the use of hand-held mobile telephones while driving on public roads, except in emergency situations. States considering the enactment of similar laws can expect to find some support from within the telecommunications industry. Verizon Communications, the nation's largest cellular telephone service, has adopted a position in favor of legislation banning the use of hand-held cellular telephones during driving; and

WHEREAS, eliminating all but hands-free cellular telephone use while driving would dramatically reduce motor vehicle collisions; and

WHEREAS, in addition to legislative remedies, this issue of public safety and welfare could also be addressed through a multi-pronged educational program in which entities that provide residents of Hawaii with cellular telephones and cellular telephone service also provide their customers with:

(1) An information pamphlet on the safe use of cellular telephones at the time of the purchase, lease, or rental of cellular telephones and cellular telephone service; and

(2) In conjunction with the Department of Transportation, a brief public service announcement video suitable for distribution on local television stations that alerts consumers to the dangers of using cellular telephones while driving and highlights safer alternatives, such as coming to a complete stop in a safe and legal location outside of the flow of traffic before using cellular telephones, along with the various technologies that may be used while driving;

now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-First Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2002, that Hawaii cellular telephone companies are urged to provide their customers with an information pamphlet on the safe use of cellular telephones and, in conjunction with the Department of Transportation, produce a safety video that alerts consumers as to the dangers of using cellular telephones while driving and highlights safer alternatives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation, the Director of Commerce and Consumers Affairs, and all private entities registered with the Public Utilities Commission as being in the business of selling or leasing, of cellular telephones and cellular telephone service.

 

 
 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Cellular Phone Usage; Traffic Safety