KTRE.com | Lufkin and Nacogdoches, Texas Texas lawmakers mull ban on texting while driving

Texas lawmakers mull ban on texting while driving

By Tina Alexander - bio | email

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Members of the state House of Representatives have come together to create legislation to institute a statewide ban on texting while driving.

The House Transportation Committee planned to hear testimony Wednesday from supporters of the bill. The hearing was delayed after former House Speaker Tom Craddick collapsed while testifying. Aides say he quickly regained consciousness.

The family of a West Texas girl who died in a one-car accident while she was texting warned of the dangers of texting and driving at a Capitol news conference. It's already against the law to use a cell phone in a school zone in Texas.

Drivers under the age of 18 can't use a phone at all while driving. Advocates of the legislation say it is necessary to continue making roadways safer for everyone.

What do you think? Should there be a statewide ban on texting while driving in Texas? Take our KTRE.com web poll.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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