House committee approves texting ban bill

Last Update: 3/10 8:57 pm

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House committee passes texting and driving bill (Jamey Cicalese)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- 21-year-old Kate Kester admits she texts while she drives.

"Probably every time I drive," she said.

She says she knows every time she does it, she's putting herself in danger. "I have friends who have wrecked from texting and driving."

If some state lawmakers have their way, Kester's habit could cost her. A house committee unanimously approved a proposed bill Wednesday that would ban sending or reading text messages while driving.

Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer Howard Coker says the propsed bill doesn't go far enough. "An officer can't stop you solely because you're on the phone or texting. There has to be another violation," said Coker. "I don't think it should be a secondary offense. I think it should be a primary offense."

It is a habit shared by many that lawmakers are trying to put the brakes on so people like Kester will keep their eyes on the road. "It would probably be a lot safer because I probably wouldn't do it as much if it were illegal," said Kester.

If the bill is signed into law, the first offense would be a nonmoving violation with a fine of $30 plus court costs. A second offense within five years would be a moving violation, costing the texting driver $60 plus court costs. And if a texting motorist causes a crash, six points would be assessed against the driver's license.

A companion bill has been filed in the senate and Governor Charlie Crist has said he favors passing it.

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