Columnist defends proposed Rhode Island restriction on text-messaging while driving

04/24/09 - We live in a world defined by communication, where people's best friends are cell phones, BlackBerries and Instant Messaging. But often enough we find ourselves texting in the most inopportune times, including while driving.

Have I texted while driving?

Yes. In retrospect, do I think it was stupid?

Definitely.

While it's tempting, there is nothing that's important enough that requires a text message while driving, and if it is, then it probably merits a phone call anyway. Save the texts for off the road.

According to the Providence Journal, 10 states (Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Utah, Virginia and Washington) currently ban texting while driving, and Rhode Island would be next on that list after the Senate Judiciary Committee voted for a bill to enact the ban.

While I'm guilty of texting while driving, I welcome this ban with open arms. Rhode Island is already notorious for having bad drivers, and getting rid of any distractions would help make local roads safer.

Yes, talking on a cell phone is still allowed and the hazards of doing this are also great, but instead of constantly looking at a 2-inch-wide screen while thumbing away on a keypad, talking on a phone is much safer. Even writing a simple "lol" requires looking through your phonebook, typing the letters in and hitting a button to actually send the message.

The risks of texting while driving aren't something we think about until it hits us personally. This new law fights our apathy and forces us to pay attention.

We've all seen the gruesome videos in driver's education with the graphic images of car accidents, and while accidents are inevitable, trying to prevent them is easy.

I'm not a saint on the roads and I'm not preaching about using turn signals and appropriate driving etiquette (although those are important too), but texting is something so unnecessary that it's silly not to get rid of it while driving.

As a commuter at the University of Rhode Island, I drive on Interstate 95 every day. The posted speed limit is 55 mph, but on a normal day drivers can reach anywhere from 65 to 80 mph. We already have music blasting, other people in the car and reckless drivers to worry about. The last thing we need to be doing is texting.

Texting about lunch plans, TV shows or the latest juicy gossip isn't worth the risk of destroying your car, hurting yourself or even killing someone. Driving under the influence always gets necessary attention, and though driving while texting isn't as critical, it should gain awareness too.

Accidents happen every day, from minor fender benders to cars being totaled, but Rhode Island has made a positive step in preventing them. With the first offense, drivers would be fined $50, $75 on second offense and $100 for every one after that.

We are all irresponsible on different occasions. That's a choice. But protecting drivers that are in the wrong place at the wrong time is important.