Bill banning teen texting while driving advances

JACKSON - Teens who text while driving should beware.

State senators on Wednesday approved a bill that would prohibit 15- and 16-year-olds with learner's permits or intermediate driver's licenses from indulging in their habit.

It previously passed the House and now is headed to the governor for consideration.

If signed into law, the bill would impose an up to $500 fine on teen drivers caught texting in non-accident cases or up to $1,000 if they are involved in an accident while texting.

It also would add six months to the minimum age for teenagers to get their driver's licenses. An intermediate license, which allows some unsupervised driving, would become available at 16, while an unrestricted license could be obtained six months later.

Southaven Police Chief Tom Long said he supports restrictions against texting while driving as the practice jeopardizes safety.

"You wouldn't want someone going down the road and on a typewriter, would you?" he asked. "Texting is like that, constant typed communication. You are looking away, having to read, having to respond."