About Time

Texas should pass statewide ban on texting while driving

We’ve heard all the excuses. All the justifications. All the arguments. But they don’t amount to much when you look at the tragedies.

Texting while behind the wheel of a car or truck is dangerous. It can even be deadly.

Society learned a long time ago that drinking and driving was a major cause of accidents and got tough on those who didn’t get the message, becoming less tolerant of violators and upping penalties. That didn’t make everyone happy. But it helped cut the number of annual alcohol-related traffic fatalities by half since 1982.

Same with seat belts. Lots of folks weren’t too happy when legislators passed laws requiring the use of proper restraints. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 11 percent of motorists used seat belts in 1981. Now more than 85 percent do. That has saved hundreds of thousands of lives.

Now the Texas State Legislature is once again considering a statewide ban on texting while driving. The bill makes it a misdemeanor with fines ranging from $25 up to $200 for repeat offenders. It passed the House this week and goes on to the Senate. In our view, the Senate should pass the bill and the governor should sign it into law.

A ban on texting while driving will save lives. It will save money by lowering insurance rates and other costs associated with traffic accidentsthat we all share. It just makes sense.

Yes, some will complain. Some won’t like being inconvenienced.

Tough. Texting behind the wheel is a threat not only to the drivers themselves, but to others on the road. We don’t care if it’s business or personal. Your texts aren’t that important. Your time isn’t that precious. Pull over if you must text.

And if you don’t? Well then it’s time you pay—and hopefully you will only pay with money.