Texting And Driving Bill Clears Committee, Heads To House

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A house committee gave the green light to a bill that would crack down on texting and driving.

House Bill 1316 will make it illegal for drivers under 18 to use a cell phone while driving. It also prohibits all drivers from texting and driving and from using a cell phone behind the wheel in a school crossing zone.

"Collisions occur much too often for us to ignore the dangers of distracted driving," said Rep. Morgan, D-Prague. "My legislation builds on the work of legislators nationwide who have recognized the importance of banning texting while driving. I think it is critical that we get this law on the book and am pleased to see it pass its first legislative hurdle."

Morgan said the data clearly indicates that driving while texting is as dangerous, if not more so, than driving under the influence of alcohol.

"This isn't a problem we have dreamed up," Morgan said. "There are real people whose lives are being affected, either through the loss of a loved one or a severe injury. As more and more people begin to text, things are only going to get worse."

The full House will now hear the bill.