Rhode Island State Police Push to Require Hands-Free Phones

The head of the Rhode Island State Police says they are pushing to require the use of hands-free devices when using a cellphone while driving.

Col. Steven O’Donnell tells WLNE-TV that he will ask the General Assembly to make it illegal for drivers to make or take a phone call, unless they are using a device such as a Bluetooth headset.

O’Donnell says the measure could save lives and will make the roads safer for everyone. The General Assembly will reconvene in January.

A similar bill passed in Rhode Island in 2001, but it was vetoed by then-Gov. Lincoln Almond.

Connecticut has had such a ban since 2005.