Roswell could ban texting while driving

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE-KBIM) - If you're caught sending a text message while driving in Roswell, it could cost you more than $70.

The community is looking into a ban on TWD or Texting While Driving.

Right now, 12 states and several other municipalities have laws on the books that ban texting while driving, according to the Governor's Highway Safety Association.

Roswell could be the next on that list.

The Police Council Committee said the goal is to cut down on driver distractions and accidents.

Cell phones caused more than 2,500 vehicle fatalities in 2007, according to AAA.

The ordinance would ban text messaging while driving, unless it was to report a crime or to get emergency help.

Under the proposal, a violator would be fined $50 for a petty misdemeanor, and would have to pay $28 for a court fee.

If the ban in is passed, police said it will be difficult to enforce, so citations will boil down to the officer's discretion.

"It is called careless driving, the law says you will give your full attention to driving and nothing else and we enforce that law already," Roswell Police Department Officer Travis Holly said.

Police said the law would not include talking on a cell phone or dialing.

The Roswell City Council could vote on the ordinance as early as June 11.