Teens driving and texting: Is it legal?

There’s been much made of teens and cell phones. As many of us know, a teen’s biggest cell phone addiction isn’t talking, it’s texting and I’m betting soon IMing on cell phones will be just as addictive for them. According to this article in USA Today, About 15 states and the District of Columbia have passed bills banning electronic equipment while driving. Currently, California and 11 other states are considering similar bans. In California the cost for violators will be $20 first offense and $50 for the second.

It’s true that teens are new drivers and should keep their hands on the wheel (not the keypad) and their eyes on the road (not their cell phone’s screen). But what about all drivers? Should any of us be texting and driving? Even if we’re stopped at a light or stuck in traffic? Sure we can all hide it under the steering wheel or on the passenger seat, but should we be doing it at all? I don’t think it’s a good idea to be texting while driving period. Just like the seat-belt law enforcement of the late 80s/early 90s, where we had to buckle-up or get a ticket, I suspect no texting while driving law enforcement will follow a similar path. But $20 for the ticket? I doubt that’s going to be much of a deterrent. What do you think?