By Stu Johnson
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- – Legislation to ban sending and reading text messages while while driving has easily passed the Kentucky Senate.
The bill, sponsored by Louisville Senator Denise Harper-Angel, also prohibits juveniles from talking on a cell phone while driving.
"The act will be a deterrent to reckless driving by stopping it before it becomes reckless driving," Harper-Angel said.
But Scott County Senator Damon Thayer voted against the measure. Thayer believes enforcement would be difficult.
"How is a law enforcement official able to tell the difference when I'm on my blackberry texting or looking up a phone number or using g-p-s. I don't think it can be done and I urge the members to vote against the bill I don't think it's necessary."
Thayer and other opponents of the bill argue texting while driving is already covered under reckless driving laws.
Proponents say the ban serves as a deterrent to reckless driving. The measure calls for warnings until January and then fines ranging from 25 to 50 dollars.