You're one step closer to breaking the law if you text while driving in the City of Erie.

City council voted unanimously Wednesday morning to instruct the city's attorney to draw up a law that would make it illegal to send or read a text message on your cellphone within city limits.

Council members indicated they would vote to approve such a law once it's been drawn up, which will happen by early December.

"I think the public is very supportive," said councilwoman Rubye Jenkins-Husband, who is the driving force behind the ban. "Those people who've contacted me are very encouraged by this legislation, and they want us to move forward."

This vote comes as Pennsylvania's legislature considers enacting a similar law statewide, but city leaders aren't willing to wait.

"Driving while talking on a cellphone is as dangerous as drunk-driving," said councilwoman Jessica Horan-Kunco, "and we can't emphasize that any more."

City council is also asking Erie's neighbors to adopt a similar ordinance.

Millcreek Township Supervisor Larry Curtis says he and his colleagues are receptive.

"You could wait for the state to do it," Curtis said, but "if the city's thinking of doing it, I certainly don't think it's a bad idea."

Harborcreek Township Supervisor Joe Peck also said he supports a ban on texting behind the wheel.

But he said the township will wait to see what happens in Harrisburg before pursuing the ban on a local level.

"It's a state issue," Peck said. "I think it will become state law pretty quickly, and I think that's what we're waiting for."