State bans texting or loses some funds

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - New York Senator Charles Schumer and three other Democrats have drafted a bill that would force states to ban text messaging while driving or face the loss of 25 percent of their federal highway funds.

The bill was inspired by a new study by Virgina Tech that found that trucks, in particular, are 23 times more likely to get into an accident while texting.

Other studies have found that texting while driving can be just as deadly as driving while intoxicated.

In Massachusetts, there are no state wide laws to ban the general public from texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.

Local residents told 22News that they would support this bill if it made the Bay State pass this ban.

Ann Augustine of Amherst said, “I think it’s a wise idea because I don’t think without laws apparently people aren’t using good judgment so I think it’s a fine idea.”

This proposal would also ban emailing while driving, something that can be even more dangerous if your emails are longer than texts.