House Bill 16

     The Indiana House passed Bill 16 today.  This bill states that teens no longer be allowed to operate handheld wireless devices while driving.  A recent increase in the number of accidents due to texting while driving brought on the introduction of the bill.  Auto accidents are the number one killer of teenagers in the United States.  Previous license restrictions for teens in Indiana, such as hours they may operate a vehicle and the number of passengers they may have, have caused a decrease in the number of teen fatalities.  But with recent technology innovations, more legislation was needed.

     Personally, I think it is a “no-brainer” that texting and driving can be extremely dangerous.  Also, this bill should apply to all people, not just teenagers.  I have seen many adults who are constantly checking their BlackBerry while they are driving.  Many things can distract a driver while operating a vehicle.  Eating, drinking and smoking are the most common driver distractions.  Others are reading, writing, looking outside the car, changing the radio or setting that navigation device.  Some people even shave or apply make-up while driving.  As with any other driver distraction, using your wireless device for anything while driving can be hazardous to your health and to others on the road.  I think if each driver exercised a little common sense, we would not need laws like Bill 16 to tell us exactly what to do and not to do.  This goes for drivers of all ages, not just teens!