RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)- A Virginia lawmaker is sick of seeing drivers down donuts, sip drinks and send text messages while driving.
That is why Del. Bobby Orrock (R - Caroline County) introduced House Bill 532. The bill would outlaw drivers from doing anything behind the wheel that is distracting.
“The provisions of the bill I've introduced, we are all probably guilty of violating,” Del. Bobby Orrock said. "But if we all are driving distracted, we are taking lives and creating misery."
While a bill to outlaw texting while driving was also introduced to the 2012 General Assembly, this bill takes distracted while driving laws a step further. It would make illegal nearly every action a driver makes that distracts him or her from the road.
“I've seen people putting on make-up, eating with both hands off the wheel, “ said Del. Orrock. “I saw a gentleman working on his iPad as he was driving down the road."
Drivers who spokes to CBS 6 had mixed feelings about the legislation.
“I know I'm guilty of putting lipstick on,” said one woman. “And I know it's hazardous, [as] we are seeing so many accidents. I think we need to do something to prevent death."
“I think the delegate’s heart is in the right place,” said a truck driver. “But I'm not sure it can be enforced or if we need to go that far."
"I think it's a good idea as far as texting goes, but when you cut out eating, ah, I don't know,” said a third driver.
Delegate Orrock said his bill is pre-filed and may not even make it to a vote. But he hopes it gets people talking about distracted driving and paying closer attention to the road.
