William B. Cassidy | Jun 7, 2010 7:08PM GMT
The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story
Violators of all ages would face $150 fine
Gov. Sonny Perdue signed a bill into law today making Georgia the 28th state to ban cell phone texting while driving. The law will apply to all drivers effective July 1.
The bill, the Caleb Sorohan Act, also bans student drivers with provisional licenses from talking on cell phones while driving. Violators will face a $150 fine.
The legislation was named for an 18-year-old Georgia high school student who was killed last December when he lost control of his car while texting.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood hailed the Georgia law, pointing to legislation in statehouses across the country against distracted driving.
More than 200 bills were considered by state legislatures last year, and the pace is quickening, he said.
Earlier this year, LaHood banned commercial truck drivers from texting while driving. President Obama banned federal employees from texting on the road.
“It’s time for Americans to follow Georgia’s lead and just put their devices down,” said LaHood. “Texting while driving is just too risky.”
The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story
Violators of all ages would face $150 fine
Gov. Sonny Perdue signed a bill into law today making Georgia the 28th state to ban cell phone texting while driving. The law will apply to all drivers effective July 1.
The bill, the Caleb Sorohan Act, also bans student drivers with provisional licenses from talking on cell phones while driving. Violators will face a $150 fine.
The legislation was named for an 18-year-old Georgia high school student who was killed last December when he lost control of his car while texting.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood hailed the Georgia law, pointing to legislation in statehouses across the country against distracted driving.
More than 200 bills were considered by state legislatures last year, and the pace is quickening, he said.
Earlier this year, LaHood banned commercial truck drivers from texting while driving. President Obama banned federal employees from texting on the road.
“It’s time for Americans to follow Georgia’s lead and just put their devices down,” said LaHood. “Texting while driving is just too risky.”