03/10/10

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ The Senate has a message for Idaho drivers:
Put down the mobile device, quit texting and watch the road.

The chamber voted 29-5 on Wednesday to add texting-while-driving
to activities banned under Idaho's inattentive driving statutes. It
now goes to the House.

At least 19 other states have already made texting behind the
wheel illegal, including 12 in 2009.

Sen. John McGee, a Caldwell Republican, especially wants to
reach 18- to 24-year-olds he says are the most-likely to text while
driving, impairing their visual, manual and cognitive abilities.

He says, ``Lord knows, we don't need a reduction in brain
activity.''

Those convicted could be punished with 90 days in jail and a
$300 fine.
The measure isn't as far-reaching as some are mulling.
Washington is considering banning cell phone use for licensed
drivers under 18.


(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-03-10-10 1104MST<