Many in U.S. want laws against texting while driving

A recent New York Times/CBS News poll found that nearly all Americans say sending a text message while driving should be illegal, and about half say texting while behind the wheel should be punished at least as harshly as drunken driving.

Ninety-seven percent support the prohibition of texting while driving, an unusual level of agreement for any topic. Eighty percent also support a ban on talking on a hand-held cellphone while driving.

Why zero in on texting while driving when there are dozens of other ways for a driver to be distracted besides cellphone use?

Some people can text without looking at the keypad. Their response to an anti-texting law would be: you’re not my BFF so MYOB.

It is not uncommon to see a driver with a newspaper or magazine propped up against the steering wheel.


What about applying lipstick or other makeup while driving or anything else that requires a lot of time using the rearview mirror?

And what about the girl on busy I-5 in Los Angeles scooting past you with her foot propped up on the steering wheel while painting her toenails as she puffs away on a cigarette? That’s when you realize you’re not back in South Dakota on Route 281 between Redfield and Aberdeen.

Do we need separate laws covering all possible driving distractions? Can’t they all be prosecuted under our present careless driving laws?

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