For many Montana cities, cell phones are already banned for drivers unless a hands-free device is being used, but that rule may soon be applied to the whole state.

Billings area State representative Virginia Court has bill in the legislature this session that would extend a similar ban state-wide even while drivers are stopped at a stop light.

"We actually have in the bill, that that is an inappropriate place to use [a cellphone]," Court said. "I've observed, personally, people stopped at stop lights, they are on their phones and guess what, everybody else is behind honking because they are still texting or doing whatever. SO, you know what, if you are at a stop light, go through the stoplight, pull over to the side and then see what your message is."

Court was asked why the ban should apply to the whole state instead of letting each jurisdiction decide individually. This was her response.

"Cell phone usage has contributed to over 1,600 crashes between 2004 and 2013, It's an increasing problem, especially among our teenagers," Court said. "I would like us to reduce our crashes and I am happy to carry this bill."

Court says distracted driving, like drunk driving, makes drivers a threat not only to the people in their own car, but the cars in other lanes as well.

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