Local teens get a chance to demonstrate their texting and driving skills
This should make for some interesting viewing. This morning, a group of local teens are going to be put through a media-oriented event to demonstrate just how difficult it is to text and drive at the same time.
Sort of reminds me of the programs run by local law enforcement agencies, where they demonstrate the effects of drinking upon driving - in very controlled settings.
In this case, it’s Allstate Insurance Co. putting on the demonstration, where teens will try to text while navigating an obstacle course. Pity the orange traffic cones that are sure to be crushed.
Of course, in Missouri it’s still legal to text and drive (even on busy highways or in rush hour traffic) as long as you are over the age of 21. This, following the legislature’s watering down of a measure that would have made the practice illegal for everyone.
Illinois lawmakers, on the other hand, did pass a ban on texting and driving during their recent session. The measure has been sent to Gov. Pat Quinn.
It’s something I’ve written about in the past and will probably continue to write about in the future. Clearly, this is one of those issues about which people have very strong feelings, for and against.
Tim has covered a wide range of topics, including tourism, crime, aviation and gambling, since becoming a reporter in 1990. The Oklahoma native joined the Post-Dispatch in 2007 after spending nine years in Orlando. In his spare time, he's often exploring one virtual world or another. He can be reached at tbarker@post-dispatch.com. 
That’s just silly… I see WAY more middle-aged adults texting and driving than young people. And they’re the ones more likely to be on the road when traffic is heavy (during rush hours).
Of course, I’ve also seen middle-aged adults reading magazines, and holding a cig or a soda while texting (you’ve only got two hands, keep one on the wheel!).