The State of Washington just passed a law last week that makes it illegal to text while driving. Ummm, duh? Too bad we need a law for this, but I guess we do...

From the Seattle PI:

"Under the new laws, drivers who read and compose text messages or talk on a cell phone without a hands-free device could face a $101 ticket. The text-messaging ban takes effect Jan. 1; the cell-phone law will be enforced starting in July 2008.

"Drivers are exempt in some situations, including emergencies, and neither offense will be enough to get a driver pulled over by the police."

Where do they come up with fine amounts like $101, I wonder?

I have to admit, I have been guilty in the past of texting while driving and it's a BAD thing to do. Especially since I have a Blackberry. What the heck was I thinking? I know lots of people who text behind the wheel, really - and it's just not a good idea. I guess we could call it driving under the influence of Crackberry.

At any rate, some things just make sense and I guess I agree with this one. I'm not big on generating lots of laws, but where the end result is that innocent people are protected from ignorant dolts, it's probably worthwhile.

But - it's too bad police cannot pull you over just for texting. You have to be in an accident or exhibit some other violation it seems. Isn't that like waiting to chase the Lion through the zoo as he eats bystanders, when you saw the cage door was open half an hour ago?