Safety is always the number one reason politicians give for enacting laws that prohibit citizens from the freedom they’ve cherished in exercising their social mores. The new ban against texting is just another example to add to the list.

Do we really need government to force on us the “right” behavioral habits? No thanks, one set of parents was enough. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the legislation on Sept. 24, and the ban goes into effect Jan. 1 2009. The law has the same fines as the cell phone ban: $20 fine for a first offense and a $50 fine for subsequent violations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distraction is a factor in roughly 25 percent of all accidents.

Although the NHTSA remains vague as to what the causes of those distractions were. “Banning electronic text messaging while driving will keep drivers’ hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, making our roadways a safer place for all Californians,” Schwarzenegger said after he signed the bill. Is he serious? If we are to ban texting why not ban other distractions that are far more prevalent yet just as dangerous?

Putting makeup on for the early morning drive to work? Ever hear about children in the back seat nagging their parents in the front? Or how about the simple act of eating while driving? The group that will be affected the greatest is predictably the younger, more technologically savvy crowd. The law strictly forbids texting and has no mention of any other activities that your phone is capable of. What happens if I’m only browsing the internet or checking the calendar on my phone? No one knows.

Law enforcement should use their limited resources on serious crimes such as murder, rape and theft instead of petty crimes that haven’t hurt another person. There will always be risks when driving; how about trusting the people to make the responsible decision on how they want to live their lives?