Michigan lawmakers debate drivers' cell phone use

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan lawmakers are again considering whether to crack down on cell phone use while driving.

A state House committee on Thursday debated bills that would ban cell phone use unless a driver was using a hands-free device. Other bills would prohibit text messaging while driving.

There would be exceptions to the rules. For example, cell phones could be used to report traffic accidents or in cases where a person's safety might be at risk.

Some states have banned or limited cell phone use while driving. But similar efforts in Michigan have fizzled in past years.