AUSTIN, TEXAS (AP) -- Talking or texting on a cell phone while driving would be banned under legislation Texas House members are considering.
The House Transportation Committee heard from supporters of several bills Tuesday that would impose stiffer penalties for accidents that occur while a driver is using a cell phone - with some exceptions for hands-free devices. Some of the bills would ban cell phone usage in school zones.
One proposal by Rep. Solomon Ortiz Jr. would ban anyone under 18 from using a wireless communications device while driving, unless it's a hands-free phone or it's an emergency.
Ortiz says he's particularly taking aim at texting while driving, something he says many teenagers do.
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