A House Legislative Committee in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania voted down a proposed cell phone ban (link removed) for motorists. The bill would have made it illegal to use a hand-held phone while driving.

But the Committee did vote to give police the authority to fine anyone for driving carelessly because of a cell phone or other distraction. Take a look at the list of things that could get you a fine if you’re caught swerving.

(1) Any person who violates this section and at the time of the violation is distracted by the use of any electronic, electrical, mechanical, personal grooming device, food, drink, book or printed material shall, in addition to any other penalty imposed, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $50.

The careless driving bill still has a long road ahead. It will need the approval of the full House and the Senate to be considered by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell.

Last week, the Philadelphia City Council approved a local cell phone ban for drivers. Mayor Michael Nutter is expected to sign this into law. It would make it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving a car or riding a bike or skateboard. The ban does affect anyone using a cell phone with a hands-free speaker device or Bluetooth earpiece.

fyi: Here’s something that will help us all be better drivers. Soon we’ll be able to watch TV while we drive. TV stations in Philadelphia and 21 other U.S. cities plan to broadcast their digital TV signals in a new format that will be able to be seen on newer generation phones.