Wisconsin needs to tell drivers to put down their phones

It poses a danger to all who share our roads. Drivers distracted by their cell phones. We’ve all seen them, staring down at the small screen pressed against the steering wheel as they fly down the road. They are easy to spot, because they’re not paying attention to the roads, so they are often drifting between lanes or failing to maintain a consistent speed. In Minnesota the House has passed a bill to join 16 other states in banning people from using hand-held phones while driving. It hasn’t become law yet, but it is getting closer, and Governor Walz has indicated he would sign it. In Wisconsin, our roads remain even more dangerous. There is little action on banning the use of hand-help phones while driving in the Badger state. And unlike Minnesota, Wisconsin law, while banning texting behind the wheel, does not ban drivers from sending an email, or even surfing the internet while behind the wheel. Even as the problem has become worse, and people continue to die after getting hit by distracted drivers. Wisconsin should look to Minnesota for inspiration and strengthen the laws governing distracted driving. Our lawmakers should add emailing and web browsing behind the wheel, and consider banning hand-held phones while driving as well. In the meantime, put down the phone, and pay attention.