Virginia's State Senate Transportation Committee recently passed legislation that would make texting while driving a primary offense, rather than a secondary violation, allowing law enforcement officers to pull drivers over when they observe the behavior.

The bill will now go to the full Senate. Supporters have said it may pass, although similar legislation has been stopped in the House Public Safety Committee on previous occasions. The bill is sponsored by state Senator George Barker of Fairfax. Lawmakers supporting the bill have cited the dangers of distracted driving as a reason, noting that additional research has been done since past attempts.

Because texting while driving is only a secondary offense, police officers can only write a driver a ticket if they observe a different violation that gives them cause to pull the individual over. Increasing use of mobile devices and higher availability of information on the dangers of distracted driving has caused some experts to be concerned.

If the measure passes, it may improve safety and lead to a decrease in Virginia auto insurance rates. There may be a noticeable impact on young drivers in particular, since they are generally at more risk behind the wheel and are likely to have and use mobile devices.