As if dealing with the inexperience and impulsiveness of teen drivers on the road wasn't enough, now many teens are not only talking on their cell phones while driving, they're also texting! Teen drivers already cause about a quarter of all auto accidents that result in bodily injury or death in our country. In the opinion of many, that already makes them a huge hazard out on the road. But add the fact that teens are now commonly texting while driving, and those of us out on the road with teens are now at an even greater risk of injury.

In the city of Boise, Idaho, where I live, it is not uncommon at all to see teens driving and texting at the same time. Every time I am on the road in fact, I usually see one or more teens driving along with their cell phones pressed up against the steering wheel, fingers texting in a blur of speed. They do not watch where they are going, often have to slam on the breaks at a red light at the very last second, and weave across the lines that divide lanes. I am amazed that I haven't actually seen a teen slam into another car while texting yet, and even more amazed that I myself have not been hit by one. As dangerously as teens drive while texting, I am concerned that it is only a matter of time.

A study released in 2007 showed that nearly half of teens who drive admit to texting while operating a moving vehicle. Teens who text and drive are actually rivaling those who drink and drive in terms of posing serious threat to others while on the road. Accordingly, many people feel that teens who text and drive pose a serious public health issue. Considering 80% of all crashes involve a distracted driver, it's tough to disagree.

Law enforcement agencies around the country are struggling with the issue, because it is difficult to enforce a texting ban while driving. The only way to truly stop a teen from texting while driving is to take away the cell phone, but law enforcement is reluctant to do that because cell phones are needed if an emergency situation arises.