My hometown city of Cleveland, Ohio, recently implemented a law that prohibits an individual from texting while operating a motor vehicle. One could say that this is an extension of the law that bans drivers from talking on the phone without a wireless headset. The primary intent of the law is to prevent drivers from committing unsafe acts with their mobile phones. I believe that it should be routine for drivers to refrain from using their cellular phone in any potentially unsafe manner. Unfortunately, millions continue to entertain distractions while driving. Even more unfortunate are the lives that continue to be lost because of irresponsible drivers. All in all, one would think that this law is necessary, right? Let's break this down further.

 I believe the texting ban sounds good in theory but can create a lot of unnecessary situations. First off, how can a police officer or civil authority be sure they witnessed you texting? Unless you're doing it in plain view and/or traveling quite slow, I don't think it's possible. Second of all, whether you were texting or not, how can they prove it? They can't confiscate your phone or pull your phone records without a proper warrant. This creates unnecessary hostility between the two parties. I will admit that sometimes I glance at my phone to see if anything's come in. I do not let it hinder my driving ability in any way, shape, or form. If a police officer spotted me glancing at my phone, he or she might be inclined to believe that I'm breaking the law when in fact, I am not. I don't know about you but I certainly don't like being pulled over. Especially if it's for this specific reason. I'm not quite sure how the Cleveland Police Department are handling this on a daily basis. I can only wish them and the people suspected of breaking this law, the best of luck. In my opinion, it is better to inform the public of the dangers involved with cell phones and driving. Despite these laws, people are still constantly breaking them and bringing harm to our roads. There's absolutely no need to enforce a nitpicky law such as this. It's only going to result in the guilty proclaiming their innocence and the innocent being proclaimed guilty. Yet government officials around America are jumping left and right to get this law approved. In all honesty, do we really need another law to direct us down the path of common sense? Is this what our society has become? Folks, it's plain and simple: DON'T TEXT WHILE DRIVING. For that matter, don't succumb to any distractions while you're behind the wheel. Forfeiting your ability to drive safely, even if for a split second, can result in bodily injury (possibly fatal) to you or others. You shouldn't need a law to understand that!