Texting and driving don't mix, lawmakers say

State lawmakers would like to send text messages to distracted drivers who cause accidents while transmitting electronic messages from their cell phones.

Distractions from mobile devices contribute to 6,000 deaths each year on America's highways, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation report.

So pressure is again growing for possible bans on texting behind the wheel.

Proposed regulations flopped during the 2009 session of the Florida Legislature, but now the federal government could insist all states deal with the problem or face the loss of federal highway funds, according to state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey.

"I am in favor of legislation that would prohibit text messaging while driving a vehicle," Fasano said. "Bottom line, it will save lives."

State Rep. John Legg, R-Port Richey, cites studies that suggest cell phone use impairs driving.

"I will work aggressively to sponsor or support legislation that will protect innocent on the roadways," Legg said. "The right to swing one's fist ends where the other person's nose begins and the right to be on your cell phone ends when you harm others."

Previous attempts at regulations here would have imposed restrictions on talking on a cell phone while driving. Some of the proposals for 2010 focus on texting only.

Fourteen states already have outlawed text messaging while driving, while five other states have outlawed the use of handheld cell phones while driving altogether, Legg noted.

The National Safety Council posted findings last year indicating that cell phone use increases the risk of a crash fourfold, similar to drunken driving, Legg said. Organizations like AAA have recognized the need to protect inexperienced teen drivers, Legg observed.

At the Pasco School District, "We have taken several steps to promote safe driving skills," a district spokeswoman, Summer Romagnoli, said. Officers still have the ultimate responsibility to police traffic, she noted.

"This year, we required students to take a Safe Driver's Course, delivered by our school resource officers, in order to obtain a parking permit on our campuses," Romagnoli said.

Students learn to minimize distractions, such as avoiding the use of cell phones while driving. The course presents statistics, photos from accident scenes and testimony from families who have lost their children because of reckless driving.

Driver's education classes place a large emphasis on safety as well, Romagnoli said.