By Marshall Griffin, St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – Legislation that would expand Missouri's ban on texting-while-driving to everyone has drawn lots of support.
In a State Senate committee meeting Wednesday, lobbyists for highway workers, law enforcement, senior citizens, and bicyclists spoke in favor of the bill.
No one spoke against it.
The bill is sponsored by State Senator Ryan McKenna (D, Crystal City).
"I think people are finally starting to open up and understand how dangerous it is to text and drive...there's been study after study where it shows that it's even up to three times as dangerous as driving (intoxicated) at .08," McKenna said.
Missouri lawmakers passed a similar measure last year that made it illegal for people age 21 and younger to write, send or read text messages while driving. Those who do so can be fined up to $200.