MN troopers enforce ban on texting while driving

State troopers say they're getting better at spotting who is breaking Minnesota's relatively-new law making it illegal to send or read text messages while driving.

They say it's easy at night--the glow of the cell phone gives texters away.

During the day, troopers say they watch for people whose heads bob up and down since most people keep their phones in their lap or by their legs.

Minnesota's law banning texting while driving went into effect in 2008. That year the state patrol issued 17 citations and 24 warnings. In 2009, the numbers jumped to 124 citations and 153 warnings.

Texting while driving can carry a fine of up to $300.

Troopers say enforcement is important because texting while driving can be as dangerous as drunken driving.

They say looking away from the road for even a few seconds while traveling 60 or 70 miles per hour can be deadly.

Minnesota is one of 19 states to make it illegal to text while driving.

State lawmakers will hold a hearing Wednesday about possibly creating more distracted driving laws.