45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2001

REQUESTING THAT THE TRAFFIC SAFETY BUREAU OF THE STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT BE DIRECTED TO STUDY AND COLLECT DATA TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS INVOLVING WIRELESS PHONE USE.

WHEREAS, the number of wireless phone users is estimated to be over one hundred million nationally and is still growing; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that one-fourth of the six million three hundred thousand motor vehicle accidents each year involve some form of distraction or inattention; and

WHEREAS, there may be a connection between driver inattention or distraction using wireless communication and motor vehicle accidents; and

WHEREAS, research is minimal, making it difficult to estimate the magnitude of the problems that occur while using wireless phones; and

WHEREAS, preliminary research suggests that the distraction caused by wireless phone use in motor vehicles increases the risk of collision during the brief period of a call; and

WHEREAS, it is difficult to determine that the primary reason for any one accident was caused by the use of a wireless phone while operating a motor vehicle; and

WHEREAS, weighing the benefits of wireless technology against the evidence of the potential dangers of using wireless phones while operating a motor vehicle is imperative to ensure that drivers are safe on New Mexico's roads;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the traffic safety bureau of the state highway and transportation department be directed to study and collect data to determine the amount of motor vehicle accidents involving wireless phone use; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state highway and transportation department report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate legislative interim committee and to the legislature prior to the second session of the forty-fifth legislature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the state highway and transportation department.