DEPUTY'S DEATH MAY SPARK LAW TO LIMIT CELL PHONE USE

Investigators said Tuesday that they were not surprised that a driver on a cell phone was likely responsible for a crash that killed Harris County Precinct 5 Deputy Constable Jason Norling and they support legislation to change that, KPRC Local 2 reported. "We see that every day out here on the roads. Just about everybody's on the cell phone," said Capt. Terry Thurman, with Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office.

In the span of a few minutes, KPRC Local 2's camera captured drivers casually chatting as they maneuvered a ton or more of machinery through the West Belt tollgate. "It's a major distraction. You're operating a car at 65 mph in heavy traffic. You got a phone in your ear. It takes the hands off the wheel and concentration off the road," Thurman said.

At least 17 states and 50 foreign countries have enacted full or partial bans of driving while talking on a cell phone. Twice in the past three years, bills have come before the Texas Legislature that would limit the use of cell phones by drivers to hands-free connections. However, they never made it out of committee.

State Rep. Garnet Coleman introduced the House bill in the last session.

"We have problem of people want to be free, but there's a point where freedom becomes license and it harms individuals. I think we've reached that threshold. It's time to really push the passage of this bill," Coleman said.

Norling's death has given new impetus to changing the law.

State Rep. Sylvester Turner said he would introduce a bill as well.

"It's time for passage of the bill and make sure nobody gets in the way," Turner said. Norling, 38, a motorcycle deputy, was struck and killed on Monday when he stopped a vehicle in the eastbound lanes of the Westpark Tollway near Gessner Road. Investigators said a driver distracted by his cell phone hit the deputy.