A bill in the Indiana General Assembly that would prohibit drivers from using mobile phones – even “hands-free” devices – has died.

The proposal remained in the Senate Criminal, Civil and Public Policy Committee at the close of the legislative session earlier this month.

The bill – SB131 – sought to make Indiana the first state to ban hands-free cell phones for drivers.

Sen. Rose Ann Antich-Carr, D-Merrillville, cited safety as the reason for her proposal. “I truly believe cell phones are one of the causes of major accidents,” Carr told Indianapolis' WRTV.

Under the proposal, talking on a phone while driving would be a secondary offense, meaning police could only ticket drivers if they were pulled over for some other offense. Violators could be fined $1,000.

Only New Jersey and New York have statewide bans on hand-held cell phone use while driving. Both states permit drivers to talk on hands-free devices.