/ Modified mar 8, 2018 8:53 a.m.

Bill Aims to Create Statewide Ban on Texting While Driving

Arizona is one of two states that have yet to ban some form of texting while driving.

Drive almost anywhere in the country and there's likely a state law that bans some form of texting while driving. Arizona and Montana are the exception. Senate Bill 1261 is the latest attempt to create a statewide ban on texting while driving.

One of the bill's biggest advocates is Brendan Lyons. He was nearly killed by a distracted driver while riding his bike in 2013. Since his recovery, he has forgiven the driver who hit him and he continues to push for local and state laws aimed at reducing distracted driving. Arizona 360 got an update on his efforts.

We also spoke to attorney Peter Akmajian, who specializes in personal injury and wrongful death suits. He explained the steps taken when distracted driving is the suspected cause of an accident.

What is it about a notification or a call on our smartphones that can't wait, even while driving or in the company of others? Matthew Lapierre, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the UA Department of Communication. He studies how smartphones affect our relationships and what happens when we depend on our devices too much. He shared his insight with Arizona 360.

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