Possible ban for texting while driving

The Maryland Senate has approved a ban on sending text messages while driving with a vote of 43-4.  Now it’s up to the House of Delegates to seal the deal. If passed, the infraction would be classified as a misdemeanor and the legislation calls for a $500 fine.

Currently, seven states and the District of Columbia prohibit simultaneous driving and texting.
Maryland bill supporters say sending text messages while driving is too risky. Just 14 months ago, Russell Hurd came before a state Senate committee and told the story of how his daughter was killed due to a truck driver texting while driving a 90,000-pound vehicle.

Hurd told WTOP that, “Because of texting while driving, I will never dance the father-daughter dance at her wedding. Because of texting while driving, I will never hear her voice, or her little giggle, ever again.”

Maryland currently bans texting and cell-phone use only by drivers under 18. However, there are no restrictions on adults in Maryland for using hand-held telephones or electronic devices while driving.
Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois have legislation pending.

To prevent any accidents on the road due to chatting on your cell you can do the following, according to Wikianswers.com:
•    Terminate any immediate cell calls.
•    Be skilled in speed and memory dialing.
•    Wait for a stop sign to dial your phone—if you have to make a call.
•    Use a hands-free set.
•    Don’t use your phone in heavy traffic.
•    Never have an emotionally charged conversation while driving.
•    Most importantly, you can always ignore your cell ring. Is that call really worth losing your life over?