Ban everyone from texting while driving

To the editor:

The legislature wants to ban everyone from using a handheld cellular device while driving. If people don't abide by this rule then the fines go up. The fine for texting while driving goes from $35 to $200.

Texting while driving should be banned for everyone. It has caused thousands of deaths. Almost 56 percent of teenagers admit to talking on their cellphone or texting while they are in the car.

When I had asked some students what influenced them to text while driving, most of the responses I got were because they saw their parents doing it so why can't we. Eighty-two percent of adults admit to texting while driving when their kids are in the car. That is when it begins. This needs to be stopped. There are too many accidents and deaths happening because of texting while driving.

We need to get law enforcement more involved and make sure that those people who are causing the problems are caught before they cause another accident. Once people start getting caught and get a warning or a fine, then maybe it will open up peoples' eyes and they will put their phones away.

I support the legislature 100 percent and I hope others will, too. Adults and teens need to realize that they are not the only ones in this community. There are other people around us. Let's put an end to texting while driving.

Ashlee Priest

Marion