By SEAN MURPHY

Associated Press Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A state lawmaker said Friday she hasn't given up her fight to ban both the use of handheld cell phones and text messaging while driving.



Rep. Sue Tibbs introduced a bill earlier this session that would prohibit the use of cell phones while driving unless the driver was using a handsfree device. Sending or reading text messages while driving would be banned altogether under the bill. Violators would face fines of between $200 and $500.



The measure was approved by a House committee, but was never heard on the floor. Now Tibbs, R-Tulsa, said she's looking for an appropriate Senate bill to amend to reinsert the language.



Tibbs said text messaging in particular is extremely dangerous because it requires motorists to take their eyes off the road and is a common practice of younger, often less-experienced, drivers.



"Young people just think they're invincible," said Tibbs, who is 74. "The texting — I just don't think people realize how dangerous that is.



"I can barely text anyway, so I surely wouldn't think about doing that while I'm driving."



Tibbs' bill carves out several motorists who would be exempt from the ban on using cell phones, including law enforcement, emergency responders, commercial drivers or those using the cell phone because of an emergency.



According to the Governor's Highway Safety Association, five states currently ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving: California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Washington. The practice also is prohibited in the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.



Another eight states, plus the District of Columbia, prohibit text messaging while driving: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington.



Oklahoma City Police Capt. Steve McCool said anything that takes a driver's complete attention from the roadway and other vehicles around them is dangerous.



"It just goes without saying that if you're not paying full attention to the road and the traffic around you, whether it's your cell phone or fiddling with a radio or a CD player in the car .... there's the likelihood you could find yourself in an accident," McCool said.