January 21st is the day when the Mass. Senate will debate a bill that will require Bay State drivers to use hands free devices while driving.

The bill, filed by Senator Mark Montigny of New Bedford, bans the use of any hand-held electronic devices, including cell phones while operating a motor vehicle.

Montigny says lawmakers shouldn't wait any longer to take action.  "Certainly the technology is there, and since the last time we fought this battle in 2011, so many lives have been lost because of irresponsible driving, mainly through the use of mobile devices, said Montigny.

The New Bedford Democrat says 30,000 people were killed in the U-S in motor vehicle crashes in 2013, and 26% of those were caused by distracted driving.

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