A recently introduced bill takes aim at New Jersey drivers who violate the state's hands-free cell phone law. If passed, the bill would consider the improper use of a phone while driving a reckless behavior under New Jersey statutes for vehicular homicide and assault by an automobile.

Assemblyman Paul Moriarty introduced the legislation called the "Kulesh, Kubert and Bolis' Law." The bill is named in honor of three New Jersey residents. All were killed or severely injured in New Jersey car accidents as the result of allegedly distracted drivers using their phones.

Moriarty explained the purpose of the bill. "Taking your eyes off the road even for a few seconds to check your cell phone could make the difference between life and death, and for some families, it did in the most tragic way," he said.

"Too many people have lost their lives at the hands of drivers who were distracted while talking on, texting or checking their cell phones," Moriarty said, adding that "enough is enough."

If the law is passed, prosecutors would have an easier time obtaining convictions for assault by auto or vehicular homicide when a driver, engaged in illegal cell phone use, injures or kills another.

Additionally, the bill would impose steeper fines for the use of hand-held phones while driving. Currently, drivers caught using hand-held (as opposed to hands-free) phones while driving are fined $100. The new law would double that fine to $200, and raise it to $400 for a second offense and $600 for third and subsequent violations. Courts are also given discretion to suspend driver's licenses of those convicted three or more times.

Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger, "Bill to be introduced in Assembly adds violation of cell phone laws to actions considered reckless," Lauren T. Taniguchi, Feb. 2, 2012