The ban is sensible (03/05/2009)

It makes sense.

But it makes sense for everybody.

Not just teenagers.

Legislation has been introduced in the Indiana General Assembly that would prohibit drivers under the age of 18 from sending text messages while driving.

And while we applaud that notion, we can't understand why a ban on texting while driving should just affect teenagers.

To be sure, young people are more inclined to send text messages in the first place than their old foggy counterparts.

But if the reasoning behind a ban is that text messaging is a dangerous distraction, then that distraction and that danger aren't limited because of the age of the driver.

Teenagers could actually argue that because they're more adept with their messaging they're less of a risk than older drivers who aren't as proficient.

But the fact is, texting diverts important attention from the job at hand, operating a potentially dangerous motor vehicle on public streets and highways.

From a public safety standpoint, a ban makes sense, and it makes sense for everyone. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]