Tougher Driver Cellphone Law Gets Legislative Approval

The New Jersey Senate has given final approval to a measure making it easier to convict drivers of vehicular homicide or assault by auto when they kill or injure someone while using a cellphone.

Lawmakers voted 37-0 for the bill. It now heads to Gov. Chris Christie's desk.

The bill classifies the illegal use of a hand-held cellphone as driving recklessly, one of the factors in finding a person guilty of vehicular homicide or assault by auto.

Lawmakers say it's currently difficult to hold drivers criminally accountable when they kill or injure someone while using a cellphone.

The Assembly voted 79-0 for the measure last week.