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(AP) - Whether it's chewing a hamburger, smoking
a cigar or answering a cell phone, some Minnesota lawmakers want distracted drivers to face penalties if their behavior contributes
to an accident.

      The bill that passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee
on Tuesday wouldn't mean drivers could be stopped for applying
lipstick or fiddling with the GPS. But if the driver then crashes
and causes major damage or serious injury, it could be a gross
misdemeanor.

      Sen. Michael Jungbauer, R-East Bethel, said his
bill is needed because drivers right now can only be cited for
failing to exercise reasonable care if they're speeding. Otherwise
they have to be doing something bad enough to qualify as reckless
driving.

      The bill doesn't list specific behaviors that could lead to the
penalties, and some lawmakers say they're concerned that the bill
is too vague.

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Whether it's chewing a hamburger, smoking
a cigar or answering a cell phone, some Minnesota lawmakers want distracted drivers to face penalties if their behavior contributes
to an accident.

Put down the cell phone and drive

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