House Democrat Prohibits Congressional Staffers From Texting And Driving

John DuBois - University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

House Administration Chairman Robert Brady (D-Penn.) introduced a resolution Wednesday that would ban Congressional staffers from using their cell phones to send text messages while driving while on the job.

"The texting ban applies to House staffers who are operating official vehicles, utilizing-issued devices or conducting official business," said Brady.

This is not the first step Brady has taken to roll back distracted-driving. Brady recently offered legislation to reduce the amount of Federal highway funding available to States that do not enact laws prohibiting the use of certain communication devices while operating a motor vehicle.

“Mobile communications devices are an important and integral part of day-to-day life. My legislation and the committee resolution will encourage people to use common-sense in their operation and help to ensure safer roads. No phone call, e-mail, or text message is important enough to risk your safety and that of other drivers,” Brady said in a statement.

Experts say cell phones save lives

Author Nicholas Sullivan and founder of the COMCARE Emergency Response Alliance David Aylward spoke during a conference call addressing emergency response and safety benefits for children equipped with (and knowledgeable about how to use) cellular phones.

The speakers described the cell phone as a huge asset to children in emergency situations. They each discussed how cell phones have replaced landline phones regarding user preference, and that many children now use text messages to communicate with people who can help them. Sullivan urged that teaching young children to use cell phones in strictly emergency situations can teach them to budget their available minutes and use phones responsibly.

Aylward spoke about how he founded the COMCARE program to help speed up emergency response time. Children, he said, can now use cell phones to help them in emergency situations, and this has saved “precious” minutes and seconds in the lives of many young people.