Senate backs ban on using phones while driving

The Indiana Senate has approved a bill making it illegal for drivers to send or read text messages, but also banning talking on the phone.

The Senate voted 29-20 on Tuesday in favor of the bill extending the state's current texting ban for drivers younger than 18.

Sen. Brent Steele of Bedford proposed an amendment adopted Monday applying the ban to all cell phone use by drivers. He says that using a phone to make a call can be as dangerous as texting.

Bill sponsor Sen. Travis Holdman of Markle didn't support the phone call ban. He says the issue will go to a House-Senate conference committee to agree on a single version.