Driving while texting is one step closer to being banned. House lawmakers agreed today to make texting while driving an infraction under Idaho code. Bill supporter' said it would send a strong message to drivers, especially teenagers, of the dangers of texting while driving Rep. Shirley Ringo (D-Moscow) likened the car to a weapon. “And people can be hurt or worse and it’s incredibly irresponsible to text while you’re driving, it puts other people’s lives in danger and if this bill gives a message to some people that that’s not the right thing to do, I think it’s very much worthwhile and I hope you’ll vote for it” she said.
Rep. Pete Nielson (R-Mountain Home) said there was a “weakness” in the bill. He said, under the measure, insurance companies can't use a texting infraction to add points to a driver’s license or increase insurance premiums and that’s not fair. “You and I who are obeying the law are going to help pay for those accidents in that vein, even though you’re obeying the law," he said. "Those who are caught breaking the law are not going to be penalized with a higher rate than you or I are going to have to face the same type of a rate for this particular instance.”
If you are cited for texting while driving, it would not be considered a moving traffic violation. Now it's up to the Senate to decide whether to sign off on the legislation. Thirty-five states including Oregon and Washington have already banned texting while driving.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio
