Safety officials rally behind texting ban

OKLAHOMA CITY —

Health and public safety officials are rallying behind a bill that would outlaw texting while driving in Oklahoma.

A group that includes the mother of a woman killed in a car crash while using a cell phone plans to lobby in favor of the bill by Democratic Rep. Curtis McDaniel of Smithville.

The bill passed last week by the House Transportation Committee would make it illegal for anyone to "compose, send, or read a text-based communication while the motor vehicle is in motion. If approved by the House Calendar Committee, the bill will next head to the full House for a vote, although similar measures have faced resistance in the Senate.

The bill would impose a fine of up to $500 for violations.

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Online:

House Bill 1503: http://bit.ly/WNtnni

Copyright The Associated Press