Nebraska Lawmakers Pass Texting-While-Driving Ban

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Updated: 1:57 PM Apr 9, 2010 Nebraska Lawmakers Pass Texting-While-Driving Ban Nebraska lawmakers have given final-round approval to a bill that would make texting while driving a crime, but not a big enough one to get drivers pulled over. Posted: 10:08 PM Apr 8, 2010 Reporter: Associated Press Email Address: desk@1011now.com

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Nebraska lawmakers have given final-round approval to a bill that would make texting while driving a crime, but not a big enough one to get drivers pulled over.

The bill (LB945) passed on Thursday would make texting while driving a so-called secondary offense, much like the state's seat belt law.

Drivers would have to be pulled over for primary offenses, like speeding, before they could be ticketed for texting.

The bill now goes to Gov. Dave Heineman for final approval.

In 2007, lawmakers had to override his veto to pass a bill that bans some teen drivers from texting and talking on cell phones while driving.

About 20 states ban drivers from texting behind the wheel.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Mae Location: Kearney on Apr 16, 2010 at 10:48 AM

i always text when i drive...and im only 17...

Posted by: ken Location: otr on Apr 16, 2010 at 09:48 AM

I think ALL states should make texting and talking on cell phones (unless using a hands free device), against the law. As an over the road truck driver, I see people of all ages & sizes of vehicles, cross into my lane so that I have to take evasive action to avoid an accident. Just holding a phone does & will take attention away from maintaining control of your vehicle. No matter what the size. Yes even the professional truck drivers are guilty of this. There should be a heavy fine for this, as well as making it a primary offense.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Lincoln on Apr 12, 2010 at 06:14 PM

How about we just make a law against EVERYTHING? Oh wait, we already did. Take a step back government.

Posted by: Jenny on Apr 12, 2010 at 11:49 AM

Let's start making it illegal to drive with earbuds to. It looks dumb and is dumb, that's what radio's are for.

Posted by: TeenDrivingPro Location: Lincoln on Apr 11, 2010 at 01:48 PM

More Can Be Done To Prevent Teen Driving Accidents. There is help available online for Teen Drivers and Their Parents. Please Visit Us At http://www.TeenDrivingPro.com Thank you...

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 10, 2010 at 07:01 PM

I thought we had a law for that called willfull reckless driving. Guess that would not keep that law makers busy if we would use it.

Posted by: jo on Apr 10, 2010 at 12:14 AM

I would be happier with "People" your car is not a phone booth, LOL Men are just as bad. Love it though!

Posted by: Jesse Location: Lincoln on Apr 9, 2010 at 07:10 PM

I think it needs to be a primary offense, or the law is absolutely worthless. Good luck catching a person texting as you pull them over for something else.

Posted by: Tim Location: Johnson Lake on Apr 9, 2010 at 05:34 PM

The ban should include a $1000 fine and 60 days in jail for a first offense, and make it a primary offense. I don't want some spoiled high school air head running into my family while texting and maybe killing them.

Posted by: the Last Good Driver on Apr 9, 2010 at 04:26 PM

It's a step in the right direction. It should be much more strict, though. I have, and will continue to, make several OMV complaints after nearly being rear-ended by someone yappin' on their cell phones. It happens on a daily basis these days... "Lady, your car is NOT a phone booth"!

Posted by: Preston Location: Lincoln on Apr 9, 2010 at 03:17 PM

Way to go, Nebraska! Now we just need to ban adjusting the radio, rolling the windows down, eating, smoking, drinking any kind of beverage, even talking to another person in the car. $5000 and 30 days in jail? Really? If that's what you think is a fair penalty, maybe we should all quit using our cell phones and start dealing pot while we're driving. We'd get in less trouble.

Posted by: Seriously Location: Candyland on Apr 9, 2010 at 03:10 PM

What is the point?!?! Why waste time making it a law that you can’t text while driving if you can’t even pull someone over for doing it??? Does this make any sense??? This definitely should be a primary offence. You people amaze me!!!

Posted by: Me Location: Here on Apr 9, 2010 at 12:56 PM

I'm all for this, with the exception that it should be a primary offense, instead of secondary.

Posted by: Connie Location: Fairbury on Apr 9, 2010 at 10:32 AM

I feel texting while driving is very distracting but so are reading papers, magazines, drinking beverages, eating, smoking, the radio, putting on make-up. There are so many distractions in the car how can you pin point one just because they can prove that it has caused some accidents that have been fatalities. It will be hard to inforce and I feel people just need to be responsible with there driving to keep all people safe on the roads. I'm glad they are banning it because I will have maybe a greater pull with keeping my children from doing it but you are not with them all of the time and can't control everything no matter how much we preach.

Posted by: m Location: beatrice on Apr 9, 2010 at 07:36 AM

It still is a distraction, Trish, because you are not focusing on the road and do not have 2 hands on the wheel. You still take your eyes off the road when you look at the texts you get, right?

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