Should NH repeal ban on cell phones while driving?

Rep. Eric Schleien is sponsoring a 2017 bill that would repeal the ban on hand-held cell phone use while driving. 

New Hampshire’s law against cell phone use went into effect July 1, 2015.  In the first year of the law traffic fatalities rose overall, but the Division of Motor Vehicles reported fewer fatal accidents involving distracted driving. 

Schelein’s bill would also repeal the older law against texting while driving.

Supporters of New Hampshire’s law point to evidence that cell phone use dramatically increases the risk of a car collision. 46 states have a ban on texting while driving. 

Opponents argue that New Hampshire’s distracted driving law, which does not mention cell phones in particular, is better suited to address dangerous cell phone use while driving.  They say a responsible adult should be able to choose when to use a cell phone in a car. 

Do you think New Hampshire should repeal the laws against cell phone use while driving?  Let us know in the comments.