A current hot topic in state legislatures around the country is that of road safety, or specifically, how to discourage one activity that has proven to be increasingly dangerous: texting while driving. A number of states (including Colorado, Louisiana, New York, Virginia, and Washington) already have laws that prohibit sending text messages via mobile phones while behind the wheel, much in the vein of requiring "hands-free" cell phone use, or even seatbelts. This legislative session, it seems that other states are following by example.

In Alabama, the House just voted  on the ban, 95 to 3. The bill would require a fine of $25 for the first conviction of someone caught writing a text message while driving, $50 for a second, and $75 for each subsequent violation. The bill also prohibits police officers from searching the car of someone pulled over for a texting violation. This proposed law will now go to the state Senate for debate.

Georgia lawmakers are considering a similar law, with two House representatives proposing a ban  that would come with both a fine and driver's license penalties. And in Wisconsin, legislation has already passed  in both the House and the Senate and is expected to be signed by Governor Jim Doyle. The Wisconsin ban carries hefty penalties, up to $400 for a first offense. Whichever of these states first passes a texting law will become the 20th state to impose a ban.

In states that already have similar laws, one problem that has arisen is that of enforceability. In Missouri , it is already illegal for those under the age of 21 to text while driving, and the current legislature is current discussing extending this to all drivers. However, law enforcement officials have noted that the ban is difficult to enforce.

After all, how can a police officer tell whether someone is texting or reading a text – or even dialing a phone number? Though driver distraction and inattention is a serious and dangerous problem, some feel that a texting ban is simply too difficult to enforce, and that requiring hands-off cell phones altogether would be more effective. Of course, for many laws like these, deterrent is the major goal; perhaps simply knowing that texting behind the wheel could cost them hundreds of dollars will be enough to encourage drivers to save their texts for later.