Tracy texting bill becomes law

Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed a bill into law that will ban reading or sending cellular phone text messages while driving.

The measure sponsored by Republicans Rep. Jon Lundberg of Bristol and Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville imposes a $50 fine for reading or writing text messages while driving.

The action would be considered a nonmoving traffic violation, which means no points would be added to a person's driving record.

It exempts certain officials -- such as officers of the state, campus police officers and emergency medical technicians -- when performing their duties.

Opponents argued that law enforcement may not be able to tell whether drivers are texting or dialing and that texting is already covered under the state's distracted driving law.

Tracy told the Times-Gazette earilier this year that the bill came about through comments from his constituents and through a House member who asked him to take up the cause in the Senate.

Tracy told The Associated Press that two of his constituents have died in accidents related to texting while driving.

The deaths happened within the last couple of years, he said. In one incident, he said a motorist who was texting crossed the center line of a highway and struck another vehicle. The other death happened when a teenager on his way to school texted his girlfriend to say he was going to be late, Tracy said.

"He never made it to school," he said. "He ... went off the road and hit a tree."

Law enforcement says the bill, specifically banning texting, will give them the tools to enforce banning this form of distracted driving. Under the legislation, a violation would be a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $50. The legislation also prohibits the Department of Safety from assigning a point value for the driver's license suspension or revocation for violation under the proposed law.

"Texting is an extremely dangerous form of distracted driving," Tracy added. "When drivers take their eyes off the road to read or send messages, they pose a great danger to all who cross their path. Hopefully, this measure will provide the warning needed to help stop this practice and in turn, it will make our roads safer."

Tracy, a Republican, represents the 16th District, including all of Bedford County and part of Rutherford County.