With Blackberries and iPhones exploding in popularity, it’s easier than ever before to receive written communication through a cell phone.
But with innovation comes risk – especially when people fiddle around with text messages or e-mails while they’re operating a vehicle. That prospect spurred lawmakers such as Sen. Ryan McKenna, D-Jefferson County to propose a ban on “texting while driving” during the past legislative session.
McKenna’s standalone bill didn’t end up passing. But a provision was including a wide-ranging crime bill that bans younger people from texting while driving. Under the provisions of the bill, those under the age of 21 who operate a moving vehicle while “sending, reading or writing a text or electronic by means of a hand-held device” will be guilty of an infraction.
After signing the overarching bill that contained the anti-texting provision, Nixon said the measure could improve safety on the road.
“With all of the safety things that are out there in vehicles, with all the training we continue to have… we still continue to have very, very high instances of car wrecks out there,” said Nixon at a press conference in Jefferson City. “I think the legislature in overwhelming numbers spoke. I think it’s much safer to be driving when your eyes are on the road, not on a text about what you’re supposed to buy at the grocery store or whatever.”
“That would be the calmer of examples in this kind of setting,” Nixon added, to a flutter of laughter.
Nixon said he would take into consideration extending the ban to those who are over the age of 21.
“I will look at that issue as we move forward,” Nixon said. “I certainly support the concept. I think this incremental step of coming at the younger drivers as they’re learning their skills is an important first step.”
Click here to watch video of Nixon talking about the issue.
Tags: cell phones, jay nixon, ryan mckenna, texting while drivingCategories: Politics, State Politics.
Ryan McKenna is a D not a R.
(FROM JASON R.: Fixed. Thanks for the catch.)