Our Opinion: Nudge common sense; ban texting while driving

We fervently hope the new year brings sanity on the texting-while-driving issue.

Among Missouri's more nonsensical laws is one that prohibits texting only for drivers under age 21. Young people may be less-experienced drivers, but they often are the most adept at texting on cell phones.

Relative skill at either texting or driving, however, is not germane to the discussion. Texting while driving diverts attention from the road and is dangerous for everyone.

In an effort to eliminate that danger, three state lawmakers have pre-filed measures to prohibit all motorists from texting while driving. The lawmakers are state Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, state Rep. Nate Walker, R-Kirksville, and state Rep. Cloria Brown, R-St. Louis.

"We all know how dangerous texting while driving can be," Schupp said. "Things can happen in split seconds on the roads. If we have a law that covers everyone, I believe more people will stop doing it. It's just common sense, but sometimes common sense needs a nudge."

Similar to the House proposals by Walker and Brown, the senator's bill includes a provision to permit voice-recognition, hands-free communication.

We receive regular news releases from law enforcement agencies that continue to list distracted driving as a cause of accidents involving injuries and fatalities.

Public safety is a shared concern among government officials, law enforcement officers and the public.

Motorists do their part when they practice common sense and avoid dangerous distractions.

But, as the senator pointed out, sometimes common sense needs a nudge. We urge lawmakers to prioritize a ban on texting while driving when the session begins on Jan. 6.