LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Drivers could soon be paying heftier fines for texting while driving in Louisiana.

There is already a state law against texting while driving, but now one Louisiana legislator wants to increase the penalties.

Baton Rouge Senator Yvonne Colomb seeks to raise the fine from $175 to $500 for a first offense.

“Your life is not worth a text message,” said State Police Master Trooper Brooks David.

David said 94,000 people were injured last year in Louisiana because of distracted driving.

“So many things can happen when you’re not paying attention to the road,” said resident Dawn Johnson, “I’ve been in a car with one of my friends and she was texting and she started going off the road. It’s so dangerous you never know what could happen.”

If the bill passes, not only would the first offense fine rise but second offenders could face a fine up to $1,000.

“We wish we wouldn’t have to stop anybody or inforce any traffic laws with that but unfortunately it’s something that we have to do to save people’s lives,” said David.

The bill is scheduled to be debated on the house floor on Wednesday.