PRINCETON, NJ -- Marlboro Township in New Jersey has passed an
ordinance that prohibits the use of hand-held cellular phones while
driving. The maximum penalty for violating the law is a $250 fine.
Hands-free cell phones are allowed under the new law.
The American public strongly supports this type of measure. A
Gallup poll conducted in March and April of this year showed that
67% of the public thinks state governments should pass laws making
it illegal to use a cellular phone while driving. Thirty-one
percent of Americans believe such laws should not be passed.
An overwhelming majority of Americans support the idea of laws that restrict the use of cellular phones while driving. A majority of Americans also say using a cell phone while driving is "very dangerous," and another 36% believe that it is "somewhat dangerous." Over half of Americans who have cell phones say that at least once a week they use them while driving, and 12% admit that their personal use of cell phones has created a situation in which their driving became dangerous or unsafe .
