LAS VEGAS - Seventeen-year-old Alex Brown was texting on her cell phone when she lost control of her truck and went through the windshield. Her family lives with the emotional heartache following her senseless death. The U.S. Department of Transportation tells Brown's story as part of its campaign to encourage states to ban cell phone use while driving.
Five proposals targeting cell phone use behind the wheel are circulating through the Nevada Legislature. A legislative committee will discuss two of the bills on Tuesday.
Erin Breen is the director of UNLV's Safe Community Partnership and an advocate of driver safety.
"It's a terrific start to get people's attention, to drive more carefully, to pay attention to what they're doing," she said. "It's not the act of something in your hand. It's the act of your mind being engaged elsewhere."
One proposal would ban texting while driving and require drivers who talk on cell phones to use hands-free devices. The other bill would make all cell phone activity illegal for drivers under the age of 18.
Some drivers acknowledge the dangers of using a cell phone behind the wheel and support the legislation.
"I'm still learning, so my concentration is on driving," said driver Mary Reyes. "I'm really hoping that eventually, if I learn how to, I'm not going to use my phone."
"The phone does ring, but I try not to answer it unless it's an emergency or it's very important," added a driver named Anthony. "Even still then, you're reaching for the phone. You're driving or texting - whatever you've got to do - it still takes away from your driving."
Under both proposals, drivers caught breaking the law would face a $250 fine. Previous efforts to ban cell phone use while driving have failed. During the 2009 legislative session, proposed legislation never made it to the Nevada Assembly.
