Texting while driving? California Senate says 'GTG'

Trying to keep pace with advances in technology, a divided state Senate approved a measure Thursday that would outlaw text messaging by California motorists.

"Texting while driving is so obviously unsafe that it's hard to believe anyone would attempt it, yet everyday observation suggests there are an awful lot of folks who do," said Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), who wrote SB 28. The measure now goes to the governor, who has said he will not sign any bills until the Legislature approves a budget.

The bill was approved by a 25-14 vote, with heavy opposition from Republicans who see the legislation as unnecessary interference in personal behavior. Only two Republicans voted for the measure.

"There is already sufficient law that can be applied if someone is driving while distracted," said Sen. George Runner (R-Lancaster), who voted against the bill. "We don't need a law for every thing a driver does. The next one is going to be you can't drive while you are eating a hamburger."

Backers of the bill argue that text messaging has become nearly as ubiquitous as talking on a cellphone -- an activity that the Legislature has already outlawed for underage drivers. (Adults may talk on the telephone while driving, but only if they use a hands-free device.)

Cell phones, BlackBerrys and larger electronic devices all give users the ability to type and deliver text messages to others. Some 57% of people admit having sent text messages or e-mails while sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle, while 66% have read messages while driving, according to a survey last year by the mobile messaging service Pinger Inc.

The survey found that 89% of American adults believe that sending text messages while driving is dangerous and should be outlawed.

Violators of the new law would face a potential $20 fine for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. The bill prohibits driving any motor vehicle while "using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication," which includes e-mails. If signed into law, the measure would take effect Jan. 1.

The bill is backed by wireless companies including Motorola and T-Mobile. The insurance companies Liberty Mutual and State Farm, as well as the California Bicycle Coalition and the Center for Auto Safety also support the measure.