New Jersey Bill: No Texting While Operating Train or Bus

A fatal commuter train crash in California is the reason for a New Jersey bill to bar train conductors and bus drivers from text messaging or sending e-mails while their vehicles are moving.

Only emergency electronic communication would be allowed under the bill sponsored by Democratic Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan of South Plainfield.

The operator of the California passenger train that collided with an oncoming freight train in September sent a text message 22 seconds before the crash that killed 25 people.

Diegnan believes some people have become so addicted to electronic devices that they put others in danger without thinking.

New Jersey already bans texting and talking on a hand-held cell phones while driving.

The proposal will be considered by the Assembly transportation committee Monday.