A state Senate committee on Thursday postponed a vote on Senate Bill 356 after part of it was changed.
ATLANTA — Just three years after Georgia banned touching your phone while driving, a new bill could allow you to pick it up if you’re stopped at a red light or stop sign.
A state Senate committee on Thursday postponed a vote on Senate Bill 356 after part of it was changed in response to ongoing security concerns.
Meanwhile, the proposal evokes many reactions in the Capitol and on the streets.
Driver Roya Dufresne remarked, “I don’t think it’s going to work,” while another pedestrian, Shane Hall, countered by saying, “I don’t see a problem at a red light.”
State Senator Frank Ginn, the sponsor of the bill, argued that changing the law would allow drivers to peripherally observe their surroundings instead of glancing at their phones. He added that, in theory, people will be able to “put it on an equal footing and see what’s going on better.”
Originally, the law stipulated that drivers could use their phones anytime they were stopped, but it was changed to apply only when you’re at a traffic control device like a stop sign or red light, not when you are simply stopped in traffic.
Opponents like Bob Dallas of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety argue the rule change would further distract drivers and cause more traffic flow problems.
“If we let that happen, we’re going to have more people who aren’t careful, more delays and more traffic jams,” he said.
At Thursday’s hearing, supporters argued the law could reduce road rage and give law enforcement more time to enforce other laws. However, opponents claim it is a bad idea for everyone.
“I think the law should stay the way it is,” said driver Thomas Hinkey.
Sen. Ginn added that states such as Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee already have legislation similar to what Senate Bill 356 is proposing.
The Public Safety Committee is currently expected to vote on Tuesday, but the bill would still need to pass both chambers and receive the governor’s signature to become law.
