TEXT is the language of teens, and texting while driving has supplanted cell phone conversations by 50% with teenagers between 16 and 20 years of age. Now comes California’s newest law banning TEXTING while driving, along with having cell phone conversations without hands-free devices. The reality is any distraction; kids screaming, loud music, dogs in your lap are all likely culprits for driver error. Texting is the latest craze, and as such the most dangerous because it draws focus on the youngest and most vulnerable of our driving population; TEENS, the most inexperienced drivers. This law will likely be embraced by every state in the US overthe next year, as legislatures work to further reduce teen fatalities. Adding a NO TEXTING, HANDS-FREE ONLY rule should be on the books for all drivers. I would be an advocate for allowing cellphone service providers to block texts made or received within highway/road corridors, if such a process were technologically feasible. Welcome to 2009, more regulation to protect us from those individuals to silly to realize how dangerous driving is, without all the distractions. ————————————————————————— Sarah Lee writes about all things cars. A 20 yr. veteran of the automotive industry, she regularly assists clients with their car buying issues, as a car buyers agent. www.mycarlady.com You can direct you questions or comments to sarahlee@mycarlady.com,mvides422@gmail.com,carlady@cox.net]]>