Hawaii Text Messaging Ban Fails

A measure that would have banned text messaging and e-mailing while driving in Hawaii has died at the state Capitol.

Senators had approved the proposal, but the House Transportation Committee did not hold a hearing on it by the deadline.

Text messaging takes drivers’ hands off their steering wheels while they type on their cell phones.

The bill sites a 2007 survey commissioned by mobile messaging service Pinger Inc., and conducted by Harris Interactive that shows nine out of 10 Americans believe sending text messages or e-mails while driving is distracting, dangerous and should be prohibited.

The failed legislation would only have provided for punishment in the event of an accident.