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| SPONSOR: | Rawson | DATE TYPED: | 03/04/01 | HB | |||
| SHORT TITLE: | Study Accidents Involving Wireless Phone Use | SB | SJM-11 | ||||
| ANALYST: | Valdes | ||||||
| Recurring
or Non-Rec |
Fund
Affected | ||||
| FY01 | FY02 | FY01 | FY02 | ||
| No additional fiscal impact | |||||
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Legislative Finance Committee
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
Senate Joint Memorial 11 requests that the Traffic Safety Bureau of the State Highway and Transportation Department study and collect data to determine the amount of motor vehicle accidents involving wireless phone use.
Significant Issues
This memorial identifies the large number of accidents caused by distraction or inattention. It relates this inattention to the possible use of wireless communications devices. There are a large number of traffic safety problems occur while drivers use wireless phones. While it is difficult to determine whether wireless phone distractions have caused motor vehicle accidents, it is quite likely they have been a major contributing factor. The benefits of using wireless phones while driving must be compared to the potential risk of traffic accidents caused by distraction while these devices are in use.
Due to the potential dangers of using wireless phones while driving, this memorial directs the Traffic Safety Bureau to study and collect data to determine the amount of motor vehicle accidents involving wireless phone use. The memorial also requests a report on findings by the department to the appropriate legislative interim committee prior to the 2002 Legislative Session.
PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS
The study requested by this memorial could lead to the department identifying ways to improve traffic safety performance measures in the state.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
This study is within the range of duties required by the Traffic Safety Bureau and can be funded within existing program funds.
ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS
This study and report will be an additional task of the Traffic Safety Bureau.
OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES
Wireless phone use has been determined as a significant factor in traffic accidents nationally. Some states have already adopted laws to curb the use of these devices while driving a motor vehicle. This study would be appropriate as consideration for improving traffic safety.
MFV/njw