Texting while driving needs to be illegal

The state of Michigan is taking notice to the dangers of text messaging while driving. Hopefully, a bill outlawing the risky activity will finally make its way through the House and Senate in the near future.

State Sen. Buzz Thomas introduced Bill 402 last March, which would effectively ban texting while driving in Michigan. If caught texting while driving, drivers could receive a misdemeanor punishable with a $100 fine. In a survey done by Virginia Tech Transportation
Institute, people who are texting behind the wheel are 23 times more likely to be involved in a car crash.

That statistic alone proves Thomas has the right idea. Cell phones are becoming more and more popular as text messaging tools these days and not just for voice conversations. Texting is an even bigger distraction while behind the wheel and, really, makes absolutely no sense.

Safe driving involves multi-tasking, drawing on many skills that leaves the driver unable to do anything outside of focusing on the road.

Texting and sending e-mail diverts your attention away from what is outside your windshield. One unfocused moment from the road can lead to disaster. And many people do not realize this until it is too late.

No text message is worth endangering lives for. Try explaining to the police that you killed someone because you were flirting with someone over your phone.

Or, worse, to someone’s parents that their child is dead because you were too involved with your phone instead of paying attention to the road. Texting is a stupid reason to cause your death or another’s death, no matter which way you look at it.

The saddest part of this problem is the bill actually has to exist. People should not have to be told they cannot text while driving — it is common sense. Driving was a risky activity before texting was introduced, as was calling somebody while on the road. What in the world makes drivers think it is safe to do so after the fact?

If it’s really that important, pull over and text away. Or actually call the person instead of pounding away on your cell phone. Your foremost priority behind the wheel is to drive safely and efficiently, which cannot be done while texting.

Thomas’ bill may seem absurd and obvious, but it is needed. Michigan needs to follow the group of 18 states that banned the reckless and dangerous activity. All it will do is save a few more lives.