Indiana latest to ban texting

Texting while driving is the act of composing, sending, or reading text messages, email, or making other similar use of the internet on a mobile device, while operating a motor vehicle such as an automobile, truck or train.

The practice of texting while driving has been viewed by many people and authorities as dangerous. It has also been ruled as the cause of some motor vehicle accidents, and in some places has been outlawed or restricted

Indiana becomes the 32nd state to prohibit texting while driving after Gov. Mitch Daniels signed a new law.

Effective July 1, violators face a maximum fine of $500. The law extends Indiana’s current texting ban to all drivers. Drivers under 18 are also prohibited from all cell phone use.

With the addition of Indiana, 32 states, the District of Columbia and Guam ban text messaging by all drivers. Further, eight states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have prohibited all hand-held cell phone use while driving.