'Concrete steps' to stop driver texting

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Washington plans to formulate "concrete steps" to stop people from texting and talking on cell phones while driving, the U.S. transportation secretary said.

The U.S. Transportation Department will hold a meeting Sept. 30 to put together "concrete steps ... to make drivers think twice about taking their eyes off the road for any reason," Secretary Ray LaHood said.

His meeting follows the introduction of a bill July 29 to withhold 25 percent of federal highway funds from states each year unless they ban text messaging, the exchange of brief written messages between cell phones, while driving.

"Studies show (texting) is far more dangerous than talking on a phone while driving or driving while drunk, which is astounding, " U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., one of four Democratic senators to introduce the proposal, said after the bill was filed.

"With this new legislation, drivers will finally be held responsible for dangerous behavior that puts the public at risk," he said.

Cell phone use is a factor in an estimated 342,000 auto accident injuries and costs $43 billion each year in property damage, lost wages, medical bills and loss of life, studies indicate.

A challenge expected to be a central topic at LaHood's meeting next month is enforcement of any legal changes, The Washington Post said.

Texting while driving is currently banned in 17 states, including Alaska, California and New Jersey, as well as the District of Columbia.