Iowan becomes expert on cellphone legalities

An Iowa native who’s become an authority on legal issues relating to cellular phones is closely watching a Virginia case. Attorney Jeremy Glenn says a company is being sued for 30-million dollars after one of its employees struck and killed a pedestrian while making a business call on her cell phone. The woman is serving a one-year jail sentence for leaving the scene of an accident. The suit alleges the woman was engaged in a business activity. Despite the fact the accident happened around 10 p-m on a Saturday night, the business is charged with negligence for failing to supervise her use of the cell phone. Glenn, who practices law in Chicago, says his firm is making advisories to businesses about cellular phones.He says they need to remind employees that safety comes first. Do not expect employees to return or use hand-held cell phones while driving. Businesses that provide cell phones to employees should consider supplying a hands-free device or voicemail. In recent years, Iowa legislators have considered strict regulations on cell phones but none of them have become law. Glenn says New York is the national leader, so far, with banning the use of hand-held cellular phones in vehicles.He says at least 40 states are considering or have bills pending that would limit or ban the use of cell phones while operating motor vehicles — for business and personal use. Glenn has degrees from the University of Iowa and Drake University. He’s a Guthrie Center native and his mother lives in Urbandale.