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Cell Phones And Driving

It's not against the law here. In fact Nevada is among eight states, which prevent local government from doing anything about drivers glued to cell phones. The talkers say they need the convenience but police say it's costing property and lives.

Some experts say if you are driving and using your cell phone you are four times more likely to get into a serious accident. And police say they are seeing more valley drivers putting themselves, and others in danger by talking and driving.

The next time you're on the road take a look at the driver next to you. Metro's Lt. Wayne Petersen says, "The problem is rampant here." Police say there's a good chance that person will be on a cell phone.

Eyewitness News asked some valley drivers if they use their cell phone while driving.

Joe O'Brien said, "Yes, I do. You know with everyone's schedule and the way communications are going these days I don't see a way to being constant contact."

Riplee Saker said, "I'll be on the phone and I'll look over and I'll be thinking they shouldn't really be on the phone while they're driving."

Police say it is a growing and disturbing trend. Lt. Petersen says, "Most of the time when you see someone do something stupid in traffic, you look over and they're on the cell phone."

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Honea says, "We found that when we are driving behind a person on a cell phone, they're exhibiting much of the same characteristics of an intoxicated driver."

When you're driving and talking on the phone, your chances of getting hurt quadruples. And the federal government says this year more drivers than ever are putting themselves in this position. Nevada is one of many states without restrictions on cell phone usage. Trooper Honea said, "I imagine somewhere down the road I'd like to see that."

For now, drivers are trying to keep their eyes on both the roads and each other. The federal government says one out of ten people use their cell phones while driving also saying that most of these people are women and young adults.

Local and state police are hoping that more people will start using hands-free devices.

Contact Reporter Adrian Arambulo