Last week, a bill addressing distracted driving passed 86-10 in the Indiana House of Representatives.

The number of favorable votes showed a vast majority of lawmakers in the House are in favor of a hands-free law and of moving forward an issue that previously has failed to gain traction.

The bill, HB 1070, has been referred to the Senate's Homeland Security and Transportation committee. It currently reads:

"A person may not hold or use a telecommunications device in the driver's seat of a motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is in motion unless the device is used in conjunction with hands free or voice operated technology or used to call 911 to report a bona fide emergency."

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IndyStar asked the 10 representatives, eight Republicans and two Democrats, who voted against the bill to explain their reasons. The three who spoke further all agreed that distracted driving is an issue.

'Fails to consider more than a few factors'

Rep. Ryan Dvorak, D-South Bend, said people should not be using their cellphones while driving, but doesn't think the bill is enforceable. He said it would be hard for police officers to have probable cause to pull someone over.

"If I’m using Waze or another traffic app or GPS on my phone, versus using it on dashboard of my car, or if I'm pausing a podcast, or turning the radio on or off, what’s the difference there?" Dvorak said.

Rep. Alan Morrison, R-Brazil, agreed that distracted driving is a worthwhile issue to address, but doesn't think HB 1070 will help solve the problem.

"As the bill is written now, you can still use your phone for everything you shouldn’t be doing while driving, just as long as mounted on dashboard," he said. "You can still watch a movie on your phone, still look at Snapchat."

In a statement, Rep. John Bartlett, D-Indianapolis, said he is against distracted driving but called the legislation "half-baked."

"It does not address those who own cars unequipped with navigational systems and use their phones for directions," he said. "It also does not address police officers who must use computers while on patrol. The bill fails to consider more than a few factors, and that is why I voted no.”

Dvorak said hands-free technology, such as using Bluetooth or a headset, is just as distracting as holding your phone up to your ear.

"I'm concerned people think they are being safe if they are using hands-free technology," he said.

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Dvorak said before voting, he spoke with fellow House members about these concerns, and many seemed to agree with him but still voted in favor of the bill. He said the bill is more about sending a message that distracted driving is wrong, but would not actually solve the problem.

Both Morrison and Dvorak agree that the current ban on texting while driving is ineffective, but that distracted driving goes beyond using a cellphone. Dvorak said the federal government needs to address car companies and technology providers to provide a safer driving experience. He argued that some newer cars have plenty of features that could lead to distracted driving.

Morrison said the only way to decrease distracted driving is through "cultural change," which would require "peer pressure and education." He said legislation wouldn't necessarily solve a problem, but that he would be more willing to support a complete ban on distracted driving, not just on using electronic devices.

"All distracted driving is wrong, whether it’s looking at backseat, looking at a paper map or changing the radio station," he said. "When you're not paying attention, bad things happen."

Contact IndyStar reporter Kellie Hwang at 317-444-6032 or kellie.hwang@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @KellieHwang.