State Sen.

Donzella James is getting serious about protecting her constituents.

In recent

days, James has proposed two pieces of legislation that are focused

on safety.

The first

bill would make it a misdemeanor to operate a cellular phone in a car,

unless it is equipped with a handset or hands-free device.

Before the

session started, James pledged to bring this bill to the Senate floor.

Many other smaller jurisdictions around the state are also looking at

similar legislation.

If the bill

passes, the cell phone user could be fined up to $50.

James also

wants to make the streets safe for pedestrians. She has sponsored a

bill that would focus drivers' attention on the pedestrian.

According

to the bill, the driver of a vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to

allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway within a painted crosswalk when

the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle

is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching and is within one

lane of the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling or

onto which it is turning.

A violation

of this law would result in a fine of $25 to $250.

But the bill

also makes it clear that pedestrians do have responsibilities.

The bill

adds that no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of

safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close

that it is impractical for the driver to yield.