Texting while behind the wheel would be banned under a bill that unanimously passed the senate today.

Republican State Senator Jack Murphy sponsored the bill. He says it is needed because 80 percent of lives lost in accidents last year were due to distracted drivers.

"There are teenagers and also adults causing accidents all over the place while they are driving and texting. They are weaving all over the place, they are impeding traffic, going slower than what they should be because they are trying to text and drive," said Murphy.

Under the measure, violators would pay a $150 fine and get three points on their license. Teens, on the second offense, would have to wait an additional year to get their class C license.

Tags: lawmakers, texting, GA State Senate, senator jack murphy