RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - A bill to outlaw texting while driving is getting some mileage in the General Assembly. Monday, the Senate Courts and Justice Committee voted 10-4, in favor of making texting and driving a primary offense. That means police would have the right to pull you over simply if they see you texting.
Currently, the law is a secondary offense. Police can only site you for texting if you’re pulled over for another offense, like speeding.
CBS 6 spoke with one Richmonder who is hoping this law passes through the full senate.
Shedrick McCall’s goddaughter died in a crash along the Chippenham Parkway in late January. Her friend, the driver, was texting according to investigators.
Republican Senator, Tom Garrett voted against this legislation. Garrett says tougher charges like reckless driving and manslaughter already exist. He goes on to say, there’s no way for police to factually determine if someone is indeed texting or emailing while behind the wheel.
