State Senate Passes Bill Banning Texting While Driving

The New York Senate has passed legislation that would prohibit drivers from reading, writing or sending text messages while operating a motor vehicle.

The law modifies legislation already on the books that bans cell phone use while driving, and creates a $100 penalty for texting while behind the wheel - the same penalty as the original cell phone ban. It would also require adding at least one question about cell phone safety to the state's written licensing exam, and require the state's department of motor vehicles to see that driving-teachers are trained in cell phone safety instruction.

The bill's sponsor, Senator Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset), called texting the "ultimate distraction" to drivers. "And if you're driving, that fraction of a second that you take your eye off the road can be the difference between an accident or not."

Earlier this month, the Suffolk County Legislature passed the same kind of measure, a violation of which could result in a fine of up to $ 150.00.  If the legislation is passed in the State, the Suffolk County Law would be nullified.

The Bill is now on its way to the State Assembly.