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Posted: Monday, March 24th, 2008 1:25 PM HST

Text messaging ban fails

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) _ A measure that would have banned text messaging and e-mailing while driving has died at the state Capitol. Senators had approved the proposal, but the House Transportation Committee did not hold a hearing on it by a Thursday deadline. Text messaging takes drivers' hands off their steering wheels while they type on their cell phones. The bill sites a 2007 survey commissioned by mobile messaging service Pinger, Inc., and conducted by Harris Interactive that shows nine out of 10 Americans believe sending text messages or e-mails while driving is distracting, dangerous and should be prohibited. The failed legislation would only have provided for punishment in the event of an accident. (Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved)