The state House Transportation Committee took a step yesterday toward making Pennsylvania's roads and highways a bit safer. It unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Democrat Joe Markosek of Monroeville to prohibit text messaging while driving.

While the measure could see floor action by year's end, state lawmakers should resist breaking out the bubbly. The proposed ban is progress, but, really, it's a no-brainer. Who could oppose fining a driver $50 for operating a keyboard while sitting behind the wheel of a moving vehicle?

What Pennsylvania and all states need is a ban on the use of at least hand-held cell phones while driving. That's the real hazard behind so many accidents. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute said in 2006 that cell phones were the most common distraction for drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that cell phone use caused 955 fatalities in 2002.

Sure -- texting is a growing threat to safety on America's roads. The Virginia Tech institute released a study this year that showed truck drivers were 23 times more likely to be in an accident if they were texting, and the American Automobile Association said 47 percent of teenagers text while driving.

But that's an easy cohort to go after and an easy hazard to target. Take care of that, and there is still a menace on the road. How long before legislators develop the spine to take on the nation's cell phone-talking drivers?

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