Proposed Ban On Cell Phone Use While Driving Gets Hearing

Families of those killed in distracted driving accidents are asking Massachusetts lawmakers to pass legislation that would ban drivers from holding a cellphone to their ear to make a call while operating a car.

Foxborough resident Jerry Cibley's 18-year-old son Jordan was killed in 2007 when he dropped his phone while driving, went to pick it up, and crashed into a tree. Jerry Cibley was on the other end of the phone.

Cibley said earlier attempts to pass tougher legislation have gotten stuck in committee, but he's hopeful a bill will pass this year.

Rep. Thomas McGee, the House chair of the Transportation Committee, said technology has changed dramatically so there's no need to be looking at a phone or holding a phone while driving.

A 2010 state law already bans texting while driving.  (Associated Press)