Holding a cell phone while driving will soon be illegal in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (AP)- It will soon be illegal in Virginia to hold a phone while driving.

The new state law takes effect in January. Drivers can still talk on the phone. But they cannot hold the device. Drivers who are caught face a fine of $125.

Authorities say that making the practice illegal and enforceable is an important step toward reducing deaths on the road. Researchers at Virginia Tech found that 80% of all crashes involve driver inattention.

Last year, 23,000 crashes in Virginia were attributed to distracted driving.

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