NJ Panel Approves Tougher Cellphone Law For Drivers

For the second time this week, New Jersey lawmakers have approved a measure aimed at cracking down on talking and texting while driving.

An Assembly panel on Thursday voted 11-0 to make it easier to convict people of vehicular homicide or assault by auto when they kill or injure someone while talking or texting. The bill now heads to the Assembly.

Lawmakers say it's currently very difficult to hold criminally accountable drivers who kill or injure someone while talking or texting. They can be sued for damages in civil court.

A Senate panel last week voted 5-0 to increase fines for texting and talking while driving. That measure also allows courts to impose a 90-day driver's license suspension for third or subsequent violations.

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