A proposed bill in Augusta (sponsored by Rep. Paulette Beaudoin, D-Biddeford) seeks to ban the use of handheld cell phones for the majority of drivers in Maine. 

Exemptions to the law include police/corrections officers, firefighters, ambulance crews, doctors, commercial drivers, public works employees and those employed by the Maine Turnpike Authority or Department of Transportation employees. 

A $50 fine would be levied against first-time offenders, with a minimum $250 fine for subsequent offenses.

Under current Maine law, those aged under 18 or driving on learner’s permits are already not allowed to use cell phones while driving. Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers, with the minimum fine for doing so being $250.

“Distracted driving is an issue that seriously concerns me,” Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett said. “It’s a serious issue. This law is a good concept, especially for young drivers. But the more exemptions there are the harder the law will be to enforce.”

Local postal worker Gina Drummond said she supports such a law being enacted. “Personally I feel that this would be a good idea. I was on Edgecomb Eddy Road one day and a girl came around the corner, and she completely in my lane. 

“She swerved back, but I tell you, my life flashed before my eyes and I saw she was talking on a cell phone. It was a real eye opener for me on so many different levels.

“Also, being the mother of two teenage boys, and one about to begin driving himself, I worry about him being tempted to use his phone while driving when he feels more confident. I would feel more comfortable with him on the road if this law is passed,” Drummond said.

Sue Burge agreed. “There are just too many unfortunate accidents as a result of people not paying attention; [talking on the phone] slows their reaction levels while driving. Take a look at cars when you drive down Route 295. Every other car, the driver is on the phone. What is wrong with us?” Burge said.

Molly Hutchins, who owns On Board Fabrics in Boothbay, was unsure. “Doesn't our current distracted driving law include distracted cell phone use? I think we are turning into a state and nation of over-regulation. What happened to common sense? Do we need to regulate that, too?” 

In 2011 and 2012, a total of 742 drivers in Maine were charged with driving while distracted.

In 2012, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released data from a national survey showing that nearly seventy percent of motorists have used a cell phone while driving (no distinction was made between handheld or hands-free). Researchers in this study observing more than 1,700 drivers also found that three out of every four drivers using a cell phone commit a traffic violation.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study done in 2010, when a young driver is talking on a cell phone (handheld or hands-free), his or her reaction time is the same as that of a 70-year-old not talking on a cell phone.

“If you get a phone call, pull over and take it. It just isn't worth your life,” Drummond said.