With young drivers, the Batmobile and Batman in attendance, Gov. Jack Markell signed legislation that doubles fines for drivers using handheld devices while behind the wheel.
House Bill was signed at the headquarters of AAA Mid-Atlantic, a supporter of the bill.
The civil penalty for a first offense is increased from $50 to $100. Additional offense fines range from $200 to $300.
The bill also increases the portion of the assessed fine to go to support the Volunteer Ambulance Company Fund.
AAA Mid-Atlantic did note that the bill does impose moving violation points that could discourage offenders by potentially increasing insurance costs.
Since 2014, Delaware State Police have issued an average of more than 12,000 citations a year to drivers using cell phones and other devices. According to the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, an average of 150 crashes a year in Delaware involve cell phone distractions.
Handset bans are viewed as a way to discourage texting, which is often difficult to detect by law enforcement. While hands-free phone use is legal, traffic safety experts have warned that the practice contributes to distracted driving.
AAA stated that it supported Representative Deborah Hudson (R-12th) in her effort to strengthen Delaware’s distracted driving law.
“Most people don’t realize the average family car weighs more than 4,000 pounds, and operating it safely takes focus, awareness and most of a driver’s attention,” said Cathy Rossi, vice president of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Club Alliance. “Our research shows that nearly 9 out of 10 drivers admit to risky behavior behind the wheel and that puts all of us on the road in some danger. We stand behind measures like this that discourage the practice of dangerous distracted driving.”
“It is my sincere hope that this new law will encourage drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road,” said Representative Hudson.
Markell said he hopes the new law leads to fewer crashes and fewer citations.
“Far too many motorists continue to use handheld devices behind the wheel,” Markell said. “Their distracted driving not only threatens their own lives, but the lives of their passengers, those in other vehicles, and the pedestrians and bicyclists who share our roadways. Along with continued public education, the increased penalties we’re enacting today reflect the seriousness of this issue and reinforce the importance of keeping your eyes on the road.”
Also on hand for the event was Batman, who drove Governor Markell to the event in a 1960s era Batmobile.
