Senate panel passes texting-while-driving ban

Share

By Associated Press

Summary

This is the latest effort by legislators in what's become a tortuous bid to make Idaho the 43rd state to ban texting behind the wheel.

Story Published: Feb 14, 2012 at 3:22 PM PDT

Story Updated: Feb 14, 2012 at 3:22 PM PDT

Senate panel passes texting-while-driving ban

File (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach, File)

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Texting-while-driving could become an infraction in Idaho, after a measure cleared the Senate Transportation Committee on its way to a full chamber vote.

This is the latest effort by legislators in what's become a tortuous bid to make Idaho the 43rd state to ban texting behind the wheel.

The closest a ban came to passing was in 2010, when now-U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador blocked a measure on a procedural move.

Tuesday's debate included pleas from Idaho teens to ban what they view as a dangerous practice.

Shauna Sauer of Caldwell said her 18-year-old daughter, Taylor Sauer, was texting when she was involved in a tragic accident that killed her in January.

Democratic Sen. Elliot Werk of Boise said this bill sends a strong message to kids about appropriate driving behavior.

KLEW Web Poll 051712

Due to low voter turnout & costs associated with the new primary election system, do you think the closed republican primary should stand as is?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Undecided

Poll Results