Northam (D) has said he supports the measure, which would bring Virginia law in line with the District, Maryland and nearly two dozen other states. Virginia law already prohibits texting and emailing while driving, but phone use is otherwise not restricted, except in highway work zones. Other proposals before the General Assembly this year would ban the use of handheld electronic devices in school zones. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey found 20 percent of drivers ages 18 to 20 said texting does not affect their ability to drive. ADIn Virginia, proponents of the ban cite several cases in which motorists on phones have cost lives.

Source: Washington Post February 06, 2020 00:55 UTC