Austin cares more about public safety than Dallas

Austin mayor Lee Leffingwell, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez and Councilmember Chris Riley are co-sponsoring a resolution that would prohibit text messaging and using the Internet while operating a motor vehicle. According to the official release:

"Studies make this very clear," said Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez. "And, common sense reinforces what we already know; using a phone while driving is very dangerous and is factor in many traffic incidents."

The City Council agenda item directs the City Manager to prepare ordinance to prohibit the writing, sending or reading of text messages, instant messages and emails or viewing the internet on a mobile phone or other portable electronic device.

"Multi-tasking while driving is not a good practice," said Mayor Lee Leffingwell. "With kids headed back to school we should all take this time to be very aware on the road and put an end to text messaging while driving."

It's long past time the Dallas City Council followed suit.