A measure to ban texting while driving may be revived this legislative session. Despite a failed attempt last year, a state legislator is again asking for a statewide law to prohibit drivers from text messaging behind the wheel.Sen. Floyd Esquibel, D-Cheyenne, who resubmitted the proposal this session, says the idea is gaining support as Cheyenne, Rock Springs and Green River each have passed cell phone bans, according to the Associated Press.The measure certainly is worth reconsidering by the 2010 Legislature.As cell phone use becomes more prevalent, drivers are increasingly distracted — potentially endangering others as they focus on messaging rather than driving.Research has shown that using a cell phone while driving delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol level of .08 percent, the legal limit, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.Texting while driving has been linked to fatalities on highways, including the deaths of two Wyoming teens in 2008.The issue continually draws national media attention, debate and even attempts at federal legislation. Last year, a bill in the U.S. Senate proposed to make states adopt federally-established penalties for texting and driving or forfeit a portion of highway funding.Currently, fewer than 20 states have enacted texting-while-driving bans. Wyoming's neighbor, Utah, is among the toughest in the nation when it comes to punishing motorists who text behind the wheel. The state treats texting drivers who cause fatalities just as severely as drunk drivers.While it seems unusual for a Western conservative state to adopt the nation's harshest penalties for texting, Utah lawmakers' decision didn't come out of the blue. Utah's legislation was fueled by tragic deaths caused by distracted driving. A swerving motorist hit two scientists as they commuted to work near Logan, Utah, killing them instantly. Based on phone records, it was later determined that the teenage driver had sent multiple text messages moments before calling 911 to report the fatal wreck.It would be unfortunate if the Legislature waits for similar tragedies in Wyoming to toughen up state laws.

A measure to ban texting while driving may be revived this legislative session. Despite a failed attempt last year, a state legislator is again asking for a statewide law to prohibit drivers from text messaging behind the wheel.

Sen. Floyd Esquibel, D-Cheyenne, who resubmitted the proposal this session, says the idea is gaining support as Cheyenne, Rock Springs and Green River each have passed cell phone bans, according to the Associated Press.

The measure certainly is worth reconsidering by the 2010 Legislature.

As cell phone use becomes more prevalent, drivers are increasingly distracted — potentially endangering others as they focus on messaging rather than driving.

Research has shown that using a cell phone while driving delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol level of .08 percent, the legal limit, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Texting while driving has been linked to fatalities on highways, including the deaths of two Wyoming teens in 2008.

The issue continually draws national media attention, debate and even attempts at federal legislation. Last year, a bill in the U.S. Senate proposed to make states adopt federally-established penalties for texting and driving or forfeit a portion of highway funding.

Currently, fewer than 20 states have enacted texting-while-driving bans. Wyoming's neighbor, Utah, is among the toughest in the nation when it comes to punishing motorists who text behind the wheel. The state treats texting drivers who cause fatalities just as severely as drunk drivers.

While it seems unusual for a Western conservative state to adopt the nation's harshest penalties for texting, Utah lawmakers' decision didn't come out of the blue. Utah's legislation was fueled by tragic deaths caused by distracted driving.

A swerving motorist hit two scientists as they commuted to work near Logan, Utah, killing them instantly. Based on phone records, it was later determined that the teenage driver had sent multiple text messages moments before calling 911 to report the fatal wreck.

It would be unfortunate if the Legislature waits for similar tragedies in Wyoming to toughen up state laws.