Tuesday, May 22, 2007
 

California state senator Carole Migden crashed her state provided SUV into a Honda sedan while reaching for her phone. Migden has favored a new law penalizing drivers who talk on their cellular phones (aka mobile phones).
The crash occurred on Highway 12 in Solano County, California Friday morning. The driver of the Honda was taken to a near-by hospital for minor injuries.
In 2006, Migden voted to fine drivers a minimum $20 fee for driving while talking on the phone without a hands-free device. The law will not go into effect until July 2008, so she will not receive a fine for using her phone. She said that she has taken full responsibility for the accident.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is now looking into reports of another accident involving Midgen.
"We're getting information now from the officers following up this morning that there was a second accident involving the center divider. Witnesses have her driving to the left of the number one lane and brushing against the guardrail," said Marvin Williford, spokesperson for the CHP in the Solano area.


Related news
"Virginia law bans mobile phone use by teen drivers" — Wikinews, April 3, 2007
"New legislation may effectively ban iPod use in parts of New York state" — Wikinews, February 9, 2007
"New Zealand minister calls for ban on using mobile phones while driving" — Wikinews, December 10, 2006


Sources

 Investigation Into Migden Car Crash Widens — KCBS (AM), May 22, 2007
Ryan Block. Senator who voted for anti-cellphone-driving law crashes car -- while on the phone — Engadget, May 21, 2007
 Sen. Who Favors Cell Phone Ban Caught Using Hers — KUTV-TV, May 21, 2007