LANSING-Talking on a cell phone while in the left lane may get motorists more than just ugly glares from other drivers.

A proposed bill would prohibit use of a cell phone while driving in the left lane.  Those who do will face a civil infraction.

Sen. Buzz Thomas, D-Detroit, said the bill is aimed at protecting Michigan's motorists.

"Anyone who drives in Michigan can see people distracted while on a cell phone," he said.  "To make the roads safer, people need to be aware and shouldn't be on a cell phone while driving in the fast lane, which many consider the left lane.

"This is critical to the public's safety."

Thomas said the rise of cell phone users and the functions of the phones add to the safety hazard.

"Cell phones have grown from several million to over 200 million users," he said.  "And they are not just phones.  They are now PDAs, iPods, text messagers or MP3 players.  There are a lot more functions to distract drivers."

Thomas said cell phones pose a serious risk.

"Studies have show that while on a cell phone your thoughts are hindered as if you were drunk," he said.  "You use different cognitive skills while talking.  If you're on a cell phone you're four to six times more likely to get into an accident."

Some driving instructors agree.

"While on a phone your attention is too divided," said Cheryl Demea, a certified driver rehabilitation specialist for A & A Driving School, which has offices in Plymouth, Canton and Livonia.  "A study I use in class shows that while on a phone, the part of your brain that is needed to drive shuts down.  It's quite difficult to do both."

Younger drivers are not the targets of the bill, Thomas said.

"I didn't take that approach," he said.  "Distracted drivers come in all ages.  I want to target all drivers."

Some drivers, however, disagree.

"I can see teenagers, college kids and new drivers getting pulled over for this," said Lansing resident Kyle Anderson.  "Younger drivers use cell phones more and they are more likely to get pulled over."

Anderson said the specifics of the bill are confusing.

"Why just the left lane?" he asked.  "It seems stupid to just punish those that are in the left lane.  There are too many bills that are trying to do the same thing.  A bill that flat-out outlaws using a cell phone while driving is the easiest way to go."

Demea supports the bill.

"Personally I think it's wise," she said.  "I see a lot of people not driving well while on a phone.  They run red lights or swerve, things that can be dangerous.

"Hopefully it will target anyone who is on a phone and not driving well."

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Technology and Energy.