Bentley Signs Bill to Ban Texting While Driving

Tools

By CBS 8 News

Story Created: May 8, 2012 at 3:25 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 8, 2012 at 3:25 PM CDT

Texting on Alabama's public roads will soon be prohibited under a law signed Tuesday by Gov. Robert Bentley.

 

Bentley says he believes the law will save lives, much like the state's statute requiring motorists to wear seat belts.

 

The bill prohibits sending text messages, instant messages and e-mails while behind the wheel. It provides exceptions for contacting emergency services and for using global position services.

 

Public Safety Department Director Col. Hugh McCall says 1,256 crashes and five deaths were caused in 2010 by drivers distracted by electronic communication.

 

The bill includes a fine of $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second offense and $75 for a third or subsequent offense.

 

Alabama becomes the 38th state to ban texting while driving.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

CBS 8 News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's onFull Schedule

Featured Content

Hot Video From AP

AP Video