May 05, 2010
By: Bruce Berry
Distracted driving can lead to more accidents and increased car insurance premiums for consumers, though Wisconsin has taken a step to keep people focused on the road.
Governor Jim Doyle signed a law that bans texting while driving in the state. Motorists caught in the act of sending a message or email on a device while behind the wheel could face a fine ranging from $20 to $400.
Doyle said the new regulation - which takes effect December 1 - will play an important role in saving lives and keeping roadways safer.
"For far too long, inattentive driving has been a serious problem in Wisconsin and across the country," Doyle said.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood praised the state for becoming the 25th in the nation to ban the practice. Last year, LaHood's department hosted a seminar covering distracted driving that paid particular attention to texting behind the wheel.
As a result of the summit, President Barack Obama signed an executive order banning federal employees from texting while driving. Michigan also recently made it illegal to send cellphone text messages while operating a vehicle.
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