![Richard Sennott•rsennott@startribune.com] St Paul, Mn. Friday 9/10/10 Ramsey County Sheriff deputy Jason Anderson wrote a citation report in his squad after citing a motorist for texting while driving on Interstate 94](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/VDRRMCYJZKACRYCHWPYTOE5UJE.jpg?&w=1080)
I go for walks and bike rides or run errands in my car almost daily. I rarely experience any of this without encountering the driver of another vehicle looking down at his or her lap. Sometimes this person is bold enough to hold their smartphone at steering-wheel level for a better view.
Obviously, the current state law regarding texting while driving is not having the desired effect. If drivers are considered at least, if not more, impaired while texting (or reading texts) as those under the influence, why not strengthen the state laws to match that of DWI?
Since both can result in equally disastrous outcomes, they should require equal regulations. Our legislators need to put some bite into new state laws to promote zero tolerance. I'm quite certain they would if they, or a loved one, were a victim of another person's irresponsible action.
