State Sen. Alan Lasee, R-DePere, plans to propose a bill that would ban text messaging while driving. If passed, Wisconsin will be the third state to adopt such legislation.
Previous bills have been proposed to ban teens from using cell phones - whether talking or texting - but they have failed. Five states have laws banning all cell phone use while driving except in emergencies, and 15 have laws banning teens from using cell phones while driving.
Text messaging is distracting and can be dangerous when driving. Although no exact number of accidents caused by drivers text messaging has been calculated, this law is important to limit accidents caused by distracted drivers.
Previous proposals to ban cell phone use while driving in Wisconsin only targeted teens, but young drivers are not the only group of people who use cell phones while driving. All drivers should act responsibly and not make phone calls or send text messages while behind the wheel.
Lasee believes text messaging while driving is more dangerous than making calls, which may be true. However, any distractions while driving have the potential to cause accidents.
This type of legislation is important, though difficult to enforce. Wisconsin residents should refrain from driving while using a cell phone whether or not the legislation passes.
