Indiana House votes to ban texting while driving

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Indiana House voted to ban texting while driving late this afternoon. It was a lopsided vote, 85-to-11, in favor of the bill that would make texting while driving an infraction. That means you could be fined up to $500 if you get caught texting behind the wheel.

Lawmakers are relying on research that shows texting while driving to be more dangerous than drunken driving. The bill will permit cell phone use but prohibits reading or sending of e-mails or text messages.

"We know texting kills," said Rep. Dennis Tyler (D-Muncie) on the House floor. "We know it's an issue and I think we need to support the bill."

Rep. Krieg Battles (D-Vincennes) spoke against the bill saying, "Why do we not start with a program of education. It's the behavior that we need to change."

The texting while driving ban will now be considered in the state Senate. A second, tougher bill that calls for a driver who cause death or serious injury while using a cell phone is still alive in a House committee.