Proposed ban on text messaging while driving approved by Pa. House Transportation Committee

Pa. House panel OKs ban on texting while driving

Rivals UPS and FedEx argue about measure in Congress that would help FedEx workers unionize

UPS and FedEx spar over labor bill in Congress

Wisconsin state senators approve plan to ban all drivers from sending text messages

MADISON, Wis. — All Wisconsin drivers, not just teenagers, would be banned from sending text messages while driving under a bill that passed the state Senate on Tuesday.

NYC panel proposing stronger rules to force cabbies to hang up that phone and focus on road

NEW YORK — Like so many who hail yellow taxis in the city, businessman Amit Agrawal says he’s fed up with hearing cabbies talking on their cell phones while driving.

Photos show Maria Shriver talking on cell phone while driving, apparently violating state law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is calling out his wife, Maria Shriver, for apparently violating a state law he signed — holding her cell phone while driving.

Driver of last week’s Thai train crash fell asleep after taking cold medicine

Driver of deadly Thai train crash fell asleep

Highway deaths fall to record low during the first 6 months of 2009

WASHINGTON — Deaths on U.S. highways have dropped to a record low during the first six months of 2009, continuing a recent trend of fewer people dying on roads.

Obama administration, Congress members looking to ban text messaging from the driver’s seat

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration said Thursday it will seek to ban text messaging by interstate bus drivers and truckers and push states to pass their own laws against driving cars while distracted.

Obama administration to push for text messaging bans for truck and bus drivers

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the Obama administration will pursue new federal rules that could ban text messaging by truck and interstate bus drivers and urge states to pass laws against distracted driving.

Transportation chief signals goal should put the brakes on drivers texting behind the wheel

WASHINGTON — Determined to stop people from texting while driving, the Obama administration plans a campaign similar to past government efforts to discourage drunken driving and encourage the use of seat belts.

Transportation Department holds summit to find ways of curbing cell phone use by drivers

WASHINGTON — Driving while distracted is a growing peril in a nation reluctant to put down its cell phones and handheld devices even behind the wheel, the Obama administration declared on Wednesday. Officials said Congress and the public must team up to reduce the danger.

Transportation Department kicks off effort to prevent drivers from using mobile devices

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called distracted driving a “menace to society” Wednesday, kicking off a two-day meeting on preventing drivers from using mobile devices behind the wheel.

Government says nearly 6,000 highway deaths tied to driver distraction in 2008

WASHINGTON — Opening a government meeting on auto safety, the Obama administration reported Wednesday that nearly 6,000 people were killed and a half-million injured last year in vehicle crashes connected to driver distraction, a striking indication of the dangers of using mobile devices behind the wheel.

Transportation Dept. kicks off meeting on texting, mobile use by drivers

WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called distracted driving a “menace to society” Wednesday, kicking off a two-day meeting on preventing drivers from using mobile devices behind the wheel.

Feds weigh whether bus, truck drivers should have to hang up their cell phones when driving

WASHINGTON — Safety investigators told federal regulators three years ago that it was dangerous for bus drivers to talk on cell phones while driving, and recommended a ban.

States offer instant traffic updates via Twitter, sending mixed message on texting and driving

Fiddling with your iPhone behind the wheel can get you fined across much of the nation. But many states are more than happy to tweet you with up-to-the-minute directions on how to steer clear of a traffic jam.

Ford says its supports federal legislation pressuring states to ban texting while driving

WASHINGTON — Ford said Thursday it backs federal legislation pressuring states to ban texting while driving in an effort to reduce driver distractions that could lead to accidents.

Federal safety board says its employees can’t text or talk on cell phones while driving

WASHINGTON — The federal safety agency that investigates transportation accidents is banning texting and talking on cell phones by its employees while driving on government business.

Graphic British safety video about dangers of texting and driving becomes global Internet hit

LONDON — A graphic British public service announcement about the dangers of sending text messages while driving has become an Internet hit and sparked debate around the world.

Outrage in Italy after agriculture minister backs drinking wine and driving

ROME — Should two glasses of wine disqualify someone from getting behind the wheel? Italy’s agricultural minister says no — and has ignited a storm of criticism.

In reversal, highway safety association supports state laws against texting behind the wheel

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The national association representing state highway safety officials on Sunday threw its support behind a growing movement to ban text messaging by drivers, reversing its previous stand.

Montana lawmaker was driving boat in crash that hospitalized US Rep. Rehberg, 4 others

HELENA, Mont. — A state lawmaker was at the helm of the speedboat that crashed into the rocky Flathead Lake shore — a serious accident that hospitalized five, including U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, a family spokesman said Saturday.

Group of senators want states to ban texting while driving or get federal highway money cut

WASHINGTON — Democratic lawmakers called for states to ban texting while driving or face cuts in highway funds, citing the need to reduce driver distraction and potential highway deaths and injuries.

Group of senators wants states to ban texting while driving or get federal highway money cut

WASHINGTON — States would be required to ban driving while texting or face the loss of highway funds under legislation being pushed by a group of Democratic senators.

Va. Tech Institute: Texting while driving much more dangerous than talking on cell phones

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash much more than previous studies have concluded with motorists taking their eyes off the road longer than they do when talking or listening on their cell phones, a safety research institute said Monday.

NASCAR backs drug-testing policy that banned driver Mayfield, while outside experts see flaws

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Although NASCAR contends it has the best anti-doping procedures in sports, some experts see flaws in the policy and question whether drivers are getting a fair shake in the lab or a safe ride on the track.