Missourians ages 21 and over are still legally permitted to text and drive — but new legislation would change that.
Democratic state Senator Greg Razer introduced a bill that would prohibit texting and driving, unless the driver is using hands-free technology.
"We've heard from officials at MoDOT that simply passing this legislation they think the strike and driving incidents will go down by about 7%, simply by passing it, just the awareness," Razer said.
The bill does create exceptions to the bill for first responders.
Missouri is one of only two other states that allows texting and driving in some capacity — the practice is only banned for those under 21. Montana is the only other state that allows for texting and driving — it has no ban at all, regardless of age.
Razer said the bill would not change the use of technologies like Bluetooth or CarPlay that allow people to press one button on a screen to send or receive a message.
"You're still keeping your eyes on the road, and that's the key," he said.
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