Oregon to Outlaw Driving While Texting or Talking on Cell Phone
Oregon Cell Phone Car Accident Attorneys
New bill will make it illegal to drive in Oregon while texting or talking on a cell phone, unless it's hands-free
A new bill has now passed the Oregon Senate and is expected to become law as of January 1, 2010. The "no texting while driving" bill will authorize police to pull over drivers seen operating a cell phone with their hands while driving. "Hands-free" devices will still be allowed, but texting while driving, or talking on a cell phone that is not hands-free while driving, will both be illegal. Gov Kulongoski has not signed this bill yet, but according to the Oregonian, he will.
In our opinion, this is long overdue. As attorneys who focus on fighting for the rights of injured Oregonians, we see up close the devastation that a car crash brings down upon an injured person. In fact, it is often not just the injured person who suffers, but their entire family as well.
The legislators (mostly republicans) who opposed this bill said that it takes away personal responsibility by bringing the government into a personal decision. But that reasoning is not right. This is not like a law requiring motorcycle drivers to wear helmets, or car drivers to wear seatbelts. This is more like an anti-drunk-driving law.
If someone chooses to text while driving, they don't just endanger themselves, they also endanger other drivers on the road who are being responsible. Just ask Peggy Tucker, whose daughter was killed when a driver talking on a cell phone hit her head-on. Peggy Tucker was in the Senate chamber when the bill passed, and she thanked the bill's sponsor, Rep. Tomei.
We at Shulman DuBois thank Rep. Tomei as well. Click to see our letter thanking Rep. Tomei for the "no texting while driving in Oregon" bill.
Shulman DuBois LLC represents victims with injuries resulting from accidents. Our clients deserve representation with our experience, sensitivity and tenacity. Should an unfortunate episode find you or someone you know in need of representation as a result of an accident related injury, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get educated by reading our Frequently Asked Questions, exploring our Library, or ordering your free copy of 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.