Driving While Texting (DWT) is an issue being taken up with some state legislatures after enough car accidents have occurred because of the distraction. We already know that distractions from eating, putting on makeup, changing CDs, and cell phone usage are potentially dangerous for us and those around us. DWT may be the extreme version of our multitasking while driving, and the Blackberry addicts own up to doing this frequently.

According to a study by Nationwide Insurance:

Cell phone use has, up to now, received the most attention. New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, and the District of Columbia already ban it. 38 more states are considering a legislative restriction banning cell phone usage.

At present Washington, Oregon, and Arizona are focusing directly on penalties for the operation of a motor vehicle “while reading, writing, or sending electronic messages.”

Do you think we need legislation to control this, or is education the answer? Allstate Insurance is posting a series of “multitasking” driver-safety television spots, hoping to raise awareness of the dangers. Will establishing penalties make a difference?