Governor Jim Doyle passed a bill into law this month that makes driving while texting illegal in Wisconsin.

The bill makes Wisconsin the 25th state to pass texting legislation, being one of the majority to use primary enforcement to make sure drivers are not texting while on the road. In short, primary enforcement means that the authorities do not need any other reason to pull a driver over other than the act of texting. In a few states, this is not the case.

The law will take effect December 1, 2010.  Fines for first-time violators run between $20 and $400, and second-time offenders can expect a $200 to $800 fine.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 6,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries were caused by distracted drivers, which includes texting driver, in 2008 alone. A study put out by Virginia Tech University claimed that using a key pad while driving increased the odds of a collision or near-collision by 2.8 times when compared to unimpaired drivers.

Distracted driving is reckless driving, and reckless driving can cause untold damages and injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured by the reckless driving of someone else, legal compensation may be available to you. Contact the Wausau reckless driving accident lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. ®, by calling 800-242-2874, and let professionals help you with legal advice today.