On Monday, a bill banning talking on the phone while driving will be introduced in the North Carolina Senate. The bill would ban using hands free devices while driving as well.
The sponsor of the bill, Senator Charlie Dannelly, tells NBC-17 that he uses a blue tooth when making calls behind the wheel.
Some people said not being able to use a cell phone while driving hurts their business.
Taxi driver Mike Kocher said he uses a blue tooth to talk to his clients.
"I personally don't want people to be on their cell phones, but with a blue tooth it's different because I am able to function," said Kocher.
Kocher also said using a cell phone makes him more efficient.
"I've got a network of 6-7 other drivers where I'll ask what's happening in a certain part of town and they'll say it's good or it's dead," said Kocher. "That saves my gas and time."
There's a similar bill in the House, but it would allow hands-free technology.
House Speaker Thom Tillis said taking a small step would help ensure safety on the roads.
"I certainly think things that would encourage people to use ear buds, blue tooth and speaker phones to get their hands off the devices and back on the steering wheel is a good idea," said Tillis.
Highway Patrol Trooper Beckley Vaughn said it boils down to being distracted while driving. Vaughn said at only 55 mph, a driver goes about 88 feet per second. He said the average reaction time is only .75 of a second.
The bill attaches a penalty of $100.
In North Carolina it is already illegal to talk on the cell phone and drive if you are under the age of 18, no one is allowed to text and drive.
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