No lol. Lawmakers target texting motorists

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois took the first step toward outlawing texting and driving Monday with a state House committee unanimously supporting such a ban.

"We want to ban text messaging while operating a vehicle," said state Rep. John D'Amico, the Chicago Democrat who sponsored the proposed law. "It's one big distraction."

Members of a vehicle safety committee agreed and sent the plan on to the full House for consideration in the coming days. But several members also said more work needs to be done before a final vote.

For instance, truckers expressed concern that communications devices used in the industry could be outlawed as the proposal is currently written.

If approved, the law would allow police to ticket motorists reading, writing or sending text or e-mail messages while driving.

Exempted from the ban would be global positioning and navigation devices.