Bill would ban texting and driving

Missouri is one of a handful of states that allows adults to text and drive. The current law only prohibits drivers 21 and younger or commercial drivers from texting behind the wheel. State Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, has pre-filed a bill to ban texting and driving for all ages. “The intent is not to take your eye off while you’re driving. That’s the part that causes distractions, that’s the part that causes wrecks” said Pearce.

Last year’s legislative session saw multiple bills that dealt with distracted driving — all of them failed to pass. “I think maybe the bills were too general. This is pretty simple. It’s pretty basic — you just can’t text and drive,” said Pearce.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said distraction is the leading cause of crashes. Officials said more than 350 crashes in Missouri during 2012 can be attributed to drivers who were texting. “If we could save some lives and just make a statement as Missourians we’re not going to allow that — I think that’s a positive thing,” said Pearce.