Would a No-Texting-and-Driving Law Stop You?

It's been my experience after writing these kinds of articles for awhile that when it comes to technology issues, many commenters claim they aren't that savvy. They'll often claim they use the basic phones, never text, never watch TV—all of which I find hard to believe since they're obviously savvy enough to log onto a website, register and post a comment.

I'm starting with a confession, and we'll see if anyone else is willing to 'fess up. I have texted in the car. When I've done it, it's been at stop lights and parking lots. And I'm not proud of it.

I'm moved by the public service ads that have advocated against it. I remember the terrible accident on Highway 40 a few years ago when a tractor-trailer plowed into some cars because the driver was reaching for his phone.

My New Year's resolution was to avoid using the phone in the car. I've slipped from time to time, but I have corrected myself.

Now AT&T reports the results of a survey that say nearly half of adults admit that they text and drive. That compares with 43 percent of teenagers. Does that surprise you?

Missouri has a law that forbids teen drivers from texting, but this site reports that "no young drivers reportedly have been punished for texting and driving in more than half the counties in Missouri."

It also says legislation has been filed to expand the prohibition on texting and driving to all drivers, but similar legislation went nowhere last year and hearings on the measures haven't been set this session.

Do you text behind the wheel? Should it be banned by state law? Would it make any difference? Or is the best defense the public awareness campaigns that companies such as AT&T are waging on the subject?