Law to prohibit use of cell phones while driving sent to Governor's desk
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—House Bill 519 has been sent to Governor Jeff Landry's desk. It would prohibit the use of a cell phone or telecommunication device while operating a vehicle.
Currently, texting while driving is against the law. However, HB519, introduced by State Representative Brian Glorioso, will extend the law to prohibit more cell phone-related activities.
DWI Checkpoint scheduled for drivers in Shreveport
HB519 states that it would be illegal to:
Engage in a call, whether talking or listening
Write, send, or read a text message, email, or any other message
Access, read, or post to a social networking site
Access, view, post, edit, or create a video or photograph
Access, read, view, compose, or browse any data from an application or other media
Hold or physically support a device in either or both hands
Darron Kerry, a Patrolman First Class with the Bossier Police Traffic Division, says the proposed law will help deter distracted driving and taking one's eyes off the road to look at a cell phone.
'Let's say you're doing 45 miles an hour. 45 miles an hour is not a high speed, but in that two or three second, doing 45 miles an hour, you have covered anywhere from 150 to 200 feet on the road. And you can imagine what that distance is if you're doing interstate speeds and stuff like that,' said Kerry.
He adds that many crashes and accidents that the Bossier Police Department sees involve cell phone use.
'Looking at the phone, watching TV, depending on what type of vehicle they're driving you know a lot of these vehicles they'll stay in the lane for them so they really don't even, don't have to pay attention the way they look at it, is they don't have to pay attention to the road, and it's a big big safety issue,' said Kerry.
Exceptions to the proposed law include use of a cell phone or telecommunication device if a vehicle is autonomous, if the vehicle is lawfully stationary or stopped, and if the device is used hands-free with Bluetooth or an attachment.
You're considered a 'distracted driver' if you do this
Kerry clarifies that being at a stop sign or a red light does not qualify as being lawfully stationary.
'You're sitting at a red light, you say Oh, I got time to check my phone. Well, the light turns green, you stay sitting at the light, the person behind you is looking at their phone, and they run into the back of you. As long as you are physically in control of that vehicle, you cannot have your cell phone in your hand,' said Kerry.
Motorists would be allowed to use a cell phone when dialing 9-1-1 to report a traffic collision, medical emergency, or serious road hazard, or to report a situation in which they believe an individual is in jeopardy of serious injury or death.
'The consequences can all be the same whether you're a drunk driver or you're a distracted driver. People get killed by drunk drivers and people get killed by using a cell phone,' said Kerry.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Motor 1
10 minutes ago
- Motor 1
Ram: We've Thought About a Cheap Truck Like The Slate 'A Million Times'
Even for someone like me, who doesn't want, let alone need, a pickup, the idea of a cheap electric truck is certainly compelling. The tiny EV workhorse from a new company partially funded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos will start at around $25,000. Factoring in the federal tax credit, assuming it doesn't disappear under the Trump administration, the diminutive pickup could drop below the $20,000 mark. But there's one high-ranking Stellantis official who doubts people will actually settle for the spartan version. In an interview with CNBC , Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis says buyers will inevitably want to add features they consider essential, which would significantly increase the out-the-door price: 'Now, what's it going to actually transact at in the marketplace… when people start to option them up, it's not going to be $20,000. It's going to be $35,000, and by the time you get to $35,000, you're in mid-size truck territory.' For reference, a base Ford Ranger with no options costs $35,025, including destination charges. Photo by: Slate Kuniskis argues that while the Slate is a 'super interesting' entry in the lucrative pickup segment, the actual configurations most people will buy put it in direct competition with established players. He might be on to something. A glance at the Slate's standard equipment list shows just how much you give up to hit that $20,000-ish price point. The entry-level version, with its crank windows , skips the infotainment and even speakers. You also have to pay extra for door cubbies and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel. Whether adding these extras will push the price up by $15,000 remains to be seen, but Kuniskis is skeptical that buyers will go for the bare-bones version at the advertised starting price. He explains that Ram has considered building a Slate-like truck 'a million times' and ultimately decided against it, concluding it wouldn't be competitive once properly equipped. Despite strong early interest in the Slate, which could suggest Kuniskis is wrong, it's unclear how many of the 100,000+ reservations will turn into actual orders, especially since the $50 deposits are refundable. For those who do follow through, it'll be interesting to see how many stick with the base model. Slate Truck 22 Source: Slate Aside from not having a Slate rival, Ram also currently lacks a midsize truck to compete with the Ranger, and a smaller pickup to rival the Maverick. The Slate, at just 174.6 inches long, is much shorter than the nearly 200-inch Maverick. It's worth noting that Ram does have the compact Rampage and the lesser-known 1200 , but neither is sold in the U.S. Kuniskis told Motor1 earlier this year that he wants a 'mid-size truck so bad' for the U.S. as a more affordable option following the demise of the Ram Classic. The Slate does have a counterpart in the world of combustion pickups. Toyota's Hilux Champ is a no-frills workhorse starting at the equivalent of $14,000 in Thailand. But it's not coming to the U.S., where even the cheapest trucks cost more than twice that. Besides the $30,535 Maverick, the base Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $30,200. All About The Slate: Slate Truck: A Sub-$20,000 Pickup With 150 Miles of Range The Slate Truck Configurator Is Live, Build Yours Here Source: CNBC Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Miami Herald
11 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Mazda Drops Killer CX-5 Lease Deal for June
Despite hitting the market back in 2017, the Mazda CX-5 still boasts athletic styling that complements its sporty driving dynamics. This June, Mazda is making it even easier to get into this zippy crossover with several fantastic lease deals. Depending on where you live, you could lease a 2025 Mazda CX-5 for as little as $239 per month. This particular lease offer spans a 36-month term, requires $4,299 at signing, and includes a 10,000-mile annual allowance. Don't fix what isn't broken, as they say, and the Mazda CX-5 is a testament to just that. The base S trim makes its return for the 2025 model year, giving the compact crossover a more affordable entry price. A handful of amenities come sprinkled in across higher trim levels, and all CX-5 models make the switch to front USB-C ports. While the Mazda CX-5 is available with a powerful 256-horsepower turbocharged engine at higher trim levels, these particular lease offers only cover the 2.5 S and 2.5 S Select. Those models come equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. All Mazda CX-5 models come equipped with all-wheel drive, a feature that sets the compact crossover apart from its rivals. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earns up to 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The CX-5 2.5 S comes well-equipped, but the 2.5 S Select adds a handful of amenities that are worth the extra money. For example, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear vents are present on the upper trim, as is Mazda's advanced keyless entry system. Both models feature a leather-wrapped gear shift and steering wheel, but the 2.5 S Select adds leatherette-trimmed and heated front seats to the docket. As far as infotainment goes, both Mazda CX-5 models feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. While the base 2.5 S comes with a four-speaker audio system, the 2.5 S Select gets upgraded to a six-speaker system. Dual front USB-C ports come standard on both CX-5 trims, but if you want charging ports for rear passengers, the 2.5 S Select is the preferred model. Notably, both CX-5 trim levels come with an identical set of safety systems. Residents of New York City get the best deal on a new Mazda CX-5 2.5 S, with a $239 monthly payment and $4,299 due at signing. Miami follows The Big Apple with that same model for $279 per month and a $2,999 down payment. Austin, Chicago, Detroit, and Charlotte have a pretty sweet deal as well: a 2.5 S for $309 per month and an initial payment of $2,999. Los Angeles residents get upgraded to a 2.5 S Select for just $316 per month and $3,999 due at signing. A similar lease offer is available to Seattle and Denver residents, who pay a little more for that same model, $335 per month with $3,999 due at signing. Each lease offer spans a 36-month term and includes an annual 10,000-mile allowance. These deals are valid through June 30th, so don't sit on your hands trying to make a decision for too long! Current Mazda owners can also take advantage of the manufacturer's loyalty rewards program for an extra discount, though availability may vary according to region. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers plenty of amenities for the average driver while maintaining its engaging driving dynamics. With a peppy engine under the hood and standard all-wheel drive, this compact crossover is a great addition to any driveway. Remember, these lease offers are available through the month of June, so don't put off getting more information until the last minute! Lease offers may vary based on region, market conditions, vehicle configuration, and are subject to credit approval. Advertised monthly payments may not include taxes, title, registration, or other fees. To get the full picture regarding this 2025 Mazda CX-5 lease offer, visit the official Mazda website and select 'Mazda CX-5.' *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Law to prohibit use of cell phones while driving sent to Governor's desk
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—House Bill 519 has been sent to Governor Jeff Landry's desk. It would prohibit the use of a cell phone or telecommunication device while operating a vehicle. Currently, texting while driving is against the law. However, HB519, introduced by State Representative Brian Glorioso, will extend the law to prohibit more cell phone-related activities. DWI Checkpoint scheduled for drivers in Shreveport HB519 states that it would be illegal to: Engage in a call, whether talking or listening Write, send, or read a text message, email, or any other message Access, read, or post to a social networking site Access, view, post, edit, or create a video or photograph Access, read, view, compose, or browse any data from an application or other media Hold or physically support a device in either or both hands Darron Kerry, a Patrolman First Class with the Bossier Police Traffic Division, says the proposed law will help deter distracted driving and taking one's eyes off the road to look at a cell phone. 'Let's say you're doing 45 miles an hour. 45 miles an hour is not a high speed, but in that two or three second, doing 45 miles an hour, you have covered anywhere from 150 to 200 feet on the road. And you can imagine what that distance is if you're doing interstate speeds and stuff like that,' said Kerry. He adds that many crashes and accidents that the Bossier Police Department sees involve cell phone use. 'Looking at the phone, watching TV, depending on what type of vehicle they're driving you know a lot of these vehicles they'll stay in the lane for them so they really don't even, don't have to pay attention the way they look at it, is they don't have to pay attention to the road, and it's a big big safety issue,' said Kerry. Exceptions to the proposed law include use of a cell phone or telecommunication device if a vehicle is autonomous, if the vehicle is lawfully stationary or stopped, and if the device is used hands-free with Bluetooth or an attachment. You're considered a 'distracted driver' if you do this Kerry clarifies that being at a stop sign or a red light does not qualify as being lawfully stationary. 'You're sitting at a red light, you say Oh, I got time to check my phone. Well, the light turns green, you stay sitting at the light, the person behind you is looking at their phone, and they run into the back of you. As long as you are physically in control of that vehicle, you cannot have your cell phone in your hand,' said Kerry. Motorists would be allowed to use a cell phone when dialing 9-1-1 to report a traffic collision, medical emergency, or serious road hazard, or to report a situation in which they believe an individual is in jeopardy of serious injury or death. 'The consequences can all be the same whether you're a drunk driver or you're a distracted driver. People get killed by drunk drivers and people get killed by using a cell phone,' said Kerry. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
