Mass. May Soon Ban Texting While Driving

18:49

June 23, 2010

In Dec. 15, 2009, file photo, Tina Derby sends text messages while driving in Concord, N.H. Derby loves the ease and speed of text messages, even while driving, and sees no need to pull over. (Jim Cole/AP)

After a long debate on Beacon Hill, Massachusetts is likely to become the 29th state to ban texting while driving. The ban includes e-mailing, surfing the Web or virtually any other activity that requires clicking and tapping.

The bill stops short of banning all cell phone use while driving, except for drivers under 18. The bill would also require drivers over 75 to renew their registration in person, as opposed to online.

Today we talk about the dangers of distracted driving and why Massachusetts has taken so long to act. And we air your confessions about unsafe behavior.

Hubbub: What Is 'Texting,' Anyway?

Guests:

Jeff Larson, president, Safe Roads Alliance
Deborah Banda, state director, Massachusetts AARP

This program aired on June 23, 2010.