FRANKFORT, Ky. — A Kentucky lawmaker wants to crack down on phone use behind the wheel. In 2011, the state banned texting, instant messaging and emailing while driving, but Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, said that isn't enough. He sponsored House Bill 255 this session which would ban drivers from having a phone or any other electronic device in their hands while behind the wheel.

Bedford resident Mary Ann Rajabi said that type of restriction could have saved her fiancé.

"I just wish people would be more aware," Rajabi said.

She lost her fiancé Jeff Curtis in September after his car was hit by a semi-truck driver. Court records allege the truck driver was watching something on the phone while driving at the time of the accident. While Rajabi was not in the car with her fiancé during the deadly crash, she said the image is hard to shake.

"You don't just get over something like that. I try to sleep at night, but I can't," Rajabi said.

Rajabi said she stands behind House Bill 255 and would like to see the state do even more to protect against distracted driving. House Bill 255 would prohibit drivers in Kentucky from using any electronic device unless it is hands-free and voice-activated. There is an exception for an emergency.

"This is going to be much easier for law enforcement officials who said 'I saw this individual with a phone or electronic device in their hand while driving," Tipton told Spectrum News 1 after pre-filing the bill in August.

The fines for violation would also increase if this bill becomes a law. For the first offense, the fine would be $100. It is currently $25. First offenders will also have the option to go to traffic school. If caught any other time, the cost would be $200, a big difference to the current fine of $50.

House Bill 255 is awaiting a transportation committee hearing.