Tx Senate passes bill banning texting while driving

What else would you call someone who texts while driving near a beer run?
Photo compliments of Colossal Blog BTB

There's no official word on whether or not there's any truth to rumors that Laredo's recently passed ordinance which bans texting while driving, doubles the fine for anyone texting while driving near a beer run. Obviously, as the Mayor likes to say, this presents a sort of double jeopardy. As if the beer runs were not a distraction enough, texting at the same time is rather duncical (word of the week) to say the least. Imagine how you'll feel showing up at the municipal court to defend your case.

Anyway, in a related story, the Texas senate passed a bill that just might make texting while driving illegal state-wide. The bill, called government intrusion by some republicans, has nonetheless garnered some bi-partisan support.

From the Texas Tribune

The Texas Senate approved a measure this evening that would ban texting and sending emails and instant messages while driving.

The measure by state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, was added to HB 242, a bill that would give retired peace officers permission to carry a concealed handgun without a concealed handgun license.
Zaffirini said texting while driving is 23 times more dangerous than non-distracted driving and 17 times more dangerous than just talking on the phone while driving. "This is one of these opportunities we have to save lives," Zaffirini said. "The life you save could be that of a person you love dearly."

The bill now goes back to house for a vote on any changes.