A Chatting/Texting While Driving Tipping Point in Iowa?

So have we reached a tipping point in the long push to restrict the use of cell phones while driving in Iowa?

The Register's Jason Clayworth cites a new national survey that finds broad support for a ban on driver texting and restrictions on chatting. They also say such laws would change their behaviors.

Eight in 10 say they support a ban on texting, which makes me wonder about the 20 percent who think it's OK. And 67 percent support phone restrictions, according to the survey by Nationwide Insurance. Clayworth notes that this will be fodder for backers of new restrictions.

This issue has been on state lawmakers' to-do list for years, but it's always stalled for one reason or another. But each year, it seems to get a little more traction. I'm not a big proponent of creating new crimes to promote common sense, but I get the distinct feeling lately that I'm in the minority on this one.

Folks are fed up. The issue will be back in 2010 and smart money says something passes.

A texting-while-driving  ban makes the most sense and would be a legislative slam dunk. A ban on the use of hand-held phones is also possible, although there's plenty of data suggesting that hands-free devices aren't much safer.

Restricting phone use will be one of those interesting moments when we find out whether lawmakers are willing to pass a law that will affect them personally. I can't count how many times I've interviewed a lawmaker while he or she is cruising down the highway. I did a story on this issue years ago that noted how all but one lawmaker interviewed was reached on a mobile phone while driving.

The problem with all of this, in my view, is that you can't outlaw all distractions. Unless we're going to close down the drive-through windows, empty convenience store snack aisles, pull out every car stereos and dismantle all cup-holders, people are going to get distracted. People need to be reminded of the dangers of all sorts of mobile stupidity, not just the fashionable foolishness of cell phone use.  

Texting is outrageous, clearly. So we can start there. Beyond that, let the debate begin. What's your take?