Ill. Senate passes ban on text messaging while driving

[May 20, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD (AP) -- The Illinois Senate has joined the campaign against motorists who send text messages while driving.

Senators voted 45-6 to make texting behind the wheel a traffic violation like speeding.

Sponsoring Democratic Sen. Martin Sandoval of Cicero says texting distracts drivers and banning it would save lives.

Rockford Republican Sen. Dave Syverson (SEE'-ver-sun) says the legislation was changed to allow texting if the car is on the side of the road and not moving.

But critics say existing law covers the problem and that texting could be a vital safety necessity.

The bill returns to the House for approval of the change.

The bill is HB71.

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On the Net:

http://www.ilga.gov/

[Associated Press]

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