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Texting and Driving in Great Falls

Texting and Driving in Great Falls

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Jan 27, 2010 at 5:13 PM MST

Story Updated: Jan 27, 2010 at 5:13 PM MST

In light of Tuesday's federal text messaging ban for commercial truck drivers, officials in Great Falls are discussing the dangers of texting and driving.

The federal ban applies to commercial bus and truck drivers on interstate highways, but individual states and cities, including Missoula, have banned text messaging while driving all together.

And while city leaders have not officially discussed a ban in Great Falls, Mayor Michael Winters says the topic has been mentioned.

As for Great Falls police, any behavior that causes careless driving is on their radar.

"Say someone is texting and they're not paying attention- the distracted driving- but now they're up on the curb or they're driving in the opposite lane of traffic or they're swerving all over the place. That would constitute careless driving or reckless driving, depending on the nature of it,” explained Sergeant Jeff Newton of GFPD.

Great Falls City Attorney Chad Parker says passing an ordinance would involve gathering evidence to prove that texting while driving is a problem or potential problem.

So far in Missoula, the city reports only three drivers have been ticketed for texting behind the wheel since the ban took effect in July.

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Russ said on Wednesday, Jan 27 at 5:35 PM

I am 100% behind a ban on texting while driving. In addition I don't think you should be allowed to talk on your phone while driving either. I have seen at 1 person per day run a sign, a light or just miss hitting another car or person becuase of texting or talking.

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