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Culver pushes ban on texting while driving
Posted: 03.10.2010 at 8:23 AM
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DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Gov. Chet Culver is urging lawmakers to toughen restrictions on drivers who send text messages, telling them millions of federal dollars are at stake.
The governor called for a tougher ban Tuesday, a day after the House approved a measure banning any cell phone use by drivers who are 16 and 17 years old. The latest version of the bill would prohibit young drivers from talking on a cell phone and reading or writing text messages and e-mails.
The Senate rejected the House version on Tuesday for being too narrow. The Senate had earlier approved a version that banned only text messaging and e-mailing for all drivers, regardless of age.
Culver says he's confident an agreement will be reached. States have to adopt laws against distracted driving to become eligible for more federal highway safety money.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)