A bill prohibiting all Missouri drivers from texting while driving and requiring hands-free use of electronic devices while driving has been introduced by Senator Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau).
The bill, SB 15, was heard in the Senate Transportation Committee last Thursday and the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation was there to testify in support. Our members have consistently identified legislation dealing with distracted driving as one of their top legislative priorities.
Also testifying in support of SB 15 the yearing were about thirteen other supporters, including the American Automobile Association, Associated General Contractors, the medical/health organizations, insurance companies, telecommunications companies, and others. MoDOT, which has been working with legislators on this issue for years, has compiled some compelling statistics and data on the issue, including some showing the overall effectiveness of this type of legislation in improving safety.
