House Bill 1129 would make sending or reading a text message or e-mail while driving a motor vehicle a Class C infraction. "I have received so much support for this legislation," said Rep. Burton. "We passed legislation two year ago banning teens from texting and driving-because that was where the greater need was, at the time. This year, we were able to take a closer look at banning all Hoosier drivers from texting." In 2009, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation that would ban teen drivers under the age of 18 from texting or emailing while driving a motor vehicle. Since 2009, the legislature has received feedback from constituents urging the passage of legislation to include all Hoosier drivers. Data from the National Safety Council shows that 1.4 million car accidents that occur annually are caused by drivers talking on the phone or texting-more than 200,000 alone are caused by texting. Thirty other states already have similar laws in place, causing the amount of drivers seen texting behind the wheel to decrease. "All these measures are for the benefit of all Hoosier drivers," said Rep. Burton. "Even if you don't text and drive, the driver in the car next to you or coming at you might be-taking their attention away from driving. So I think a lot of drivers statewide will be pleased with the passage of this bill." House Bill 1129 passed the House with an 85-11 vote. It will soon be heard in the Senate for further discussion. If passed into law, it will go into effect in July 2011. To view up-to-date information regarding this legislation and others, visit www.in.gov/legislative. |
