The Indianapolis Star reports that state senator Tom Wyss is proposing a ban aimed at teenagers prohibiting text messaging while driving. Enforcement is one way to react to dangerous behavior, but the legislature should consider controlling opportunities as well as punishing mistakes.

While in a metropolitan coverage zone, the modern mobile phone can detect its own location and velocity. Wireless carriers, therefore could refuse to route non-emergency calls to handsets moving faster than a brisk walk. This could be further refined, as required by Senator Wyss, to only those phones associated with account holders aged 18 and under. Asking police officers to enforce yet another law may slightly improve teen safety but will reduce overall coverage of other services. Adding requirements means adding work.

Whether you feel that a text messaging ban for teen drivers would encourage motorists to behave more responsibly, or you think that government incursion into personal telephonic decisions is unwarranted, the best solution is not always the obvious one. If you’re considering trying to change behavior through enforcement, contact Slaughter Development to find alternate solutions that may help you achieve your goals.