Mississippi City Mulls Ban on Texting While Driving

The north Mississippi city of Columbus is considering a local ban on texting while driving.

Mayor Robert Smith and council members have asked the city attorney to research the issue and present some possible options for an ordinance.

The Commercial Dispatch reported that officials plan to call a public hearing to gather residents’ ideas before voting on a ban.

Columbus councilman Joseph Mickens said banning texting while driving is “a no-brainer.” He said he’d also like to prohibit people from driving while talking on cell phones.

A state law enacted in 2009 bans young people from texting while driving.