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New York’s Senate Republicans promise to push legislation that would allow police to stop and ticket motorists for texting while driving.

Using a portable electronic device while at the wheel of a moving vehicle in New York is currently a secondary offense, which means that a person can’t be pulled over solely for driving while texting. Instead, it must be tacked on to another offense like speeding.

Legislation sponsored by a dozen Republicans, who have majority control of that chamber, would upgrade it to a primary offense.

A group of Senate Democrats has introduced a similar bill. A companion measure is pending in the Assembly.

The American Automobile Association says driver distraction lasting more than two seconds doubles the risk of a crash.

Topics New York