SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- State Sen. Dan Rutherford is trying to put the brakes on texting while driving in Illinois.

The Pontiac Republican says violators would pay $75 under his proposal, but they'd pay $200 if they cause an accident.

Rutherford says he got the idea for the legislation after he saw a driver who was texting while trying to steer with her elbows. He says he also noticed a child in the back seat of that vehicle.

Rutherford's bill awaits consideration in the General Assembly.