Anyone, even a child, can see that it's hazardous to punch text messages into a cellphone while driving a fast-moving car. Even if a texter does it by feel, without taking eyes off the road, it's still a distraction that can cause a deadly crash.
We can't understand why the West Virginia Legislature has stumbled over this topic for so long. In two previous sessions, lawmakers failed to outlaw texting-while-driving, partly because the proposals also banned talking on cellphones.
We think any driver who needs to use a cellphone for either use should park at a safe curb or rest area to do so. About 35 states currently have texting bans, and 10 of them also ban talking. Now, West Virginia lawmakers are trying a third time.
The late Delegate Dale Martin, D-Putnam, said last year: "It's been proven in studies throughout the United States that ... other than drinking and driving, it's one of the most dangerous things you can do in an automobile." He wanted lawmakers to keep the bill simple to ban texting without bogging down in a dispute over cellphone talking.
As first drafted this year, the bill would make texting while driving a primary offense and possible misdemeanor for those under 18. For adults, it would be a "secondary offense," meaning police could not cite drivers for violating the law unless drivers were stopped for another, "primary" offense first.
Delegate Danny Wells, D-Kanawha, protested that the proposed law is "worthless" for adults. We hope Wells prevails, and the tougher version finally is passed. An exception can be made for cars stopped in traffic jams.For several years, police across America have staged "Turn Off Texting" demonstrations for high school students. The youths are asked to steer golf carts through obstacle courses two times -- first as normal drivers, and again while texting. Results usually are dramatic, with many errors during the second run. The teens are impressed and sobered.
In 2010, the Kanawha County Commission forbade county employees to use cellphones in county-owned cars, except in emergencies.
It's simple common sense. The Legislature can save lives by outlawing the risky practice of typing out cellphone messages while operating a hurtling automobile.
