PERSPECTIVE: Give those thumbs a rest behind the wheel

» Obama right to sign executive order that bans federal employees from texting while driving on
government business.

President Barack Obama has signed an executive order banning federal employees from texting and driving while driving on government business.

Good. Texting and driving is becoming the “drinking and driving” of the 21st century, with great potential for death and destruction.

And, unfortunately, given the youthful propensity for texting, along with a feeling of immortality, this is another danger that greatly affects young people.

There is nothing more tragic than a life cut down too soon. It is even more so when the life could have been saved so easily.

Here in Virginia we have a ban on texting and driving, but it is a superficial one with light penalties.

We would like to see texting and driving be treated at least as seriously as reckless driving, because, in the end, it is reckless.

Obama’s executive order is a step in the right direction insofar as it brings further attention to the scourge of texting while driving.

We must watch that our technological advantages don’t become contributors to our physical peril. And if they do, we must be ready to act to minimize that peril.

Texting and driving is reckless, and under the law should be treated as such.

But there is only so much the government can do. So, we must also take it upon ourselves to leave our twitchy thumbs at rest.

News & Messenger
(Prince William County)