Driver Safety and Negligence: Motorcycle helmets, text messaging and cell phone distractions in the news

Motorcycles, helmets, cell phones and text messaging in the sight of Arkansas Legislature to limit cell phone usage while driving, ban text messaging and require motorcycle helmets

SB 28: Since 2001 legislator, Kim Hendren has filed a bill to prohibit drivers less than 18 years of age from driving while using a cell phone.

SB 29: Also filed is a bill to require motorcyclists to wear helmets or to have a minimum of $10,000 in health insurance coverage. The amount is woefully inadequate, but at least it’s a start.

HB 1013 also prefiled would prohibit use of handheld cell phones by all drivers and would ban text messaging while driving.

The stories creating the impetus for such legislation are interesting and the facts described in the article, Second bill to ban cell phone use while driving filed, Rob Moritz of the Arkansas News Bureau.

Kidd said he filed his measure at the request of a constituent whose father was killed in a July highway collision in which the other driver admitted he was sending a text message while driving.

Last week, the driver, 27-year-old Michael L. Blanchard died at a Jonesboro hospital after shooting himself in the head. Blanchard was facing a misdemeanor negligent homicide charge in connection with the July wreck.