Driving and Distraction

I read today that Governor Ritter is signing a bill that goes into effect this December that bans texting on your cell phone while driving. If you get caught - you could get a $50 ticket. Well, glory hallelujah! It’s really rather sad that we need a law to prevent this - but apparently plenty of people think they can drive safely AND send text messages at the same time. I am an excellent multi-tasker, but even I don’t do this. The bill also bans anyone under the age of 18 from talking on their cell phones unless they are using a hands-free device. (Exceptions made for emergencies - which for teenage drivers could be just about anything.) Frankly - I would be OK if we passed a law that banned talking on your cell phone altogether while driving. I wouldn’t like it, I would moan about it, it would dramatically change my conversation patterns but at the end of the day I have to admit that NOBODY pays attention to the road like they should when they’re talking on the phone. And that is downright dangerous. Come to think about it, maybe we should pass a law that bans doing anything except actually paying attention to driving while a driver is actually behind the wheel. I’ve seen (and admittedly done) some strange things behind the wheel. I’ve seen people floss their teeth, eat a bowl of cereal, groom their dogs and perform some X-rated activities all from behind the wheel. I’m sure these are just the beginning of what America does while driving. What do you think of the texting/talking ban? What are some of the strange (or common place) activities you’ve seen, or done, while driving?