Our View: Ban cellphone use while driving on Montana roads

Despite hysterical fears that it would be the end of freedom and liberty as we know it, not much has changed since the city of Havre banned use of cellphones while driving in the city limits. Except perhaps there have been fewer accidents and near misses.

Now, state Rep. Virginia Court, D-Billings, is proposing that the ban be made statewide.

Montana would become one of the last states to prohibit use of cellphones while driving.

Several Montana cities have joined Havre in prohibiting use of cellphones by motorists.

It’s quite foolish to believe that cellphones are no longer a danger once you leave the city limits on U.S. Highway 2. It’s dangerous in the city and it is equally dangerous outside the city limits.

It’s hard to find anybody who hasn’t nearly been hit while driving or walking by someone who was talking, or worse texting, while driving on city streets.

Talking or texting on cellphones have caused annoyance for many people and serious injuries for other people.

Many experts say that driving while using cellphones is an dangerous as driving while impaired.

There is no way to know if the Havre law has saved lives, but it certainly has eased the tension of other drivers.

Expecting people to pull to the side of the road if they want to make a telephone call doesn’t seem like a deprivation of their civil rights. it seems like a responsible way to prevent automobile accidents.

Cities throughout the state have shown leadership by passing anti-cellphone while driving laws.

It’s time the Montana Legislature followed suit.