Say no to DWT: driving while texting

You'd think — you'd think — motorists of all ages and driving skills would understand the dangers of text messaging and driving at the same time. Many don't.

So the state Senate should pass a sensible bill sponsored by Rep. Joyce McDonald, R-Puyallup, to fine drivers who try the dangerous combination of activities. Multi-tasking at the office is one thing, multi-tasking in the car quite another.

This legislation should not be confused with legislation banning cellphone use or requiring only hands-free cellphone use. As troublesome as some of that activity is, McDonald correctly notes that texting requires even higher levels of concentration on the cellphone — and therefore, a greater distraction from driving.

The state House already approved the bill, backed by the Washington State Patrol, making it a primary offense to text and drive. "Primary" means law officers can stop anyone they see texting behind the wheel; they do not need another reason to make the stop.

The fine is a reasonable $101. Other states are considering heftier fines and stricter laws.

Law enforcement has to move quickly to keep up with technology. Do we really want people driving down the highway typing text messages? What's next, driving and watching hand-held TVs?

Everyone has a story about this dangerous combination. A multi-car-and-bus pileup on Interstate 5 last December was caused by a 53-year-old fiddling with his BlackBerry. Teenagers tell of texting and driving frequently, Hey, come on, what's your problem? A law-enforcement officer catches a trucker weaving his truck across I-5. Was the driver drunk? No. Text messaging.

To those who contend it is their right to text message whenever they please, the answer is no, not when it endangers others on the roadway.

Clearly, there are numerous other scenarios and driving distractions, the mom who turns around to discipline a child in the backseat, the man drying his hair out the window and the numerous motorists concentrating on their meal instead of the highway in front of them.

The state cannot legislate against all dumb behaviors.

But this somewhat overdue legislation sends the right message to motorists who think they can drive and text at the same time. Common sense says they cannot do it safely.