Mass. Bills Would Ban Text Messaging by Drivers

The death of a 13-year-old Taunton, Mass. boy last month has prompted new calls to ban text messaging while driving.

Craig Bigos of New Bedford told police he was sending a text message to a friend when he swerved and struck Earman Machado, who was riding his bicycle along the side of a road. Bigos drove off after the accident but later turned himself in.

At least two bills pending before the Legislature would ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Several lawmakers say they would consider adding a provision specifically dealing with text messaging to those bills, or filing a standalone bill to ban text messaging while driving.

State Representative Stephen Canessa of New Bedford says the recent fatality is a tragic example of what can happen when drivers become distracted.

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Information from: The Standard-Times, http://www.s-t.com