Teen texting in combination with driving has exploded into a national health hazard. But does that make it acceptable for adults as well?

The new ban on cell phone use prohibits teens from using cell phones while driving and prohibits adults from texting while driving.

While this law may protect teens from potential hazards, adults should also be blamed for causing accidents due to cell phone distraction.

It is true that teenagers are responsible for an extremely large portion of accidents in the United States. This is expected as they are less experienced and while it may be a stereotype, less responsible.

Teens do make bad decisions involving alcohol, drugs, cell phones and other things that can inhibit driving. However, it is also true that adults make similar decisions.

The fact is, driving while talking on the phone or texting inhibits driving regardless of age or experience. Things that are dangerious should be banned for everyone.

People are not allowed to drive drunk because it is dangerous for all age groups. Even though older people may have a higher tolerance for alcohol, its danger is still prevalent. The same goes for drug use while driving. There is a reason why the government bans dangerous acts.

According to SADD, talking or listening on a cell phone increases risk of a crash or near-crash by 1.3. Dialing on a handheld device increases risk by three times for all driviers, regardless of age.

The recent law is only a political maneuver used to sway people for votes. It gains policy makers support by trying to pass a law that, rather than strongly affecting voters, targets those who have no influence. The ban should have been extended over all drivers to provide maximum protection to Iowans.