Texting at Red Lights Could Soon Be Illegal in NJ [POLL]

We all know that texting while driving is dangerous and illegal, and so many now wait until they are stopped at a light to respond to a text.

You might want to hold on...that could soon be illegal too.

Senator Richard Codey wants to change the current law to include texting at any time while behind the wheel...including while stopped at a red light.

In a WCBS interview, he said texting while stopped is still dangerous 'because once the light turns green, your mind and your eyes are on the text and not on the road.'

Before I begin, let me say I don't think texting while flying down the road is okay. Everyday on my commute I see people swerving in and out of lanes, traveling under the speed limit, and otherwise driving recklessly while staring at the glowing oracle in their palm.

That said, perhaps it's irresponsible, but I'm quite guilty of texting while stopped at a light. The thing is, I make sure I'm keeping an eye on the light at all times, and if it turns green, I put the phone down, whether I'm done typing the text or not.

Yet again, it seems like a matter of personal responsibility.

If you don't put the phone down when the light turns green, why not just charge a person with impeding traffic or careless driving? If they continue to text when the light turns, then they are violating the current law, done deal.

And what about people who start daydreaming or 'zone out' at a light, and don't realize it has turned green? Their mind is clearly somewhere else...should there be a law for that too?

Part of this bill would entitle New Jersey to receive federal funds for 'enforcement of the law,' but I can't help but wonder if that money has more to do with it.

If the bill passed, no, it wouldn't be the end of the world. If I ever needed to respond to a text that badly, and it was illegal to do so at a light, I'd pull over. Perhaps I'm just being selfish and irresponsible, but I don't think this change is necessary.

Have you ever texted while stopped at a light? Tell us in the comment section below!