On Nov. 1, 2009, New York became the 18th state to make it illegal to text on a mobile phone or any other electronic device while driving.

While this represents a step in the right direction, the new law is far too weak to be effective. This is because its enforcement will be “secondary,” meaning drivers have to commit another moving violation to be ticketed under the new law. New York State legislators need to change the law to make texting while driving a “primary” offense. Police officers should not have to pull the driver over for another offense, such as speeding or running a red light, in order to issue a fine for texting.

Texting while driving presents a clear and persistent danger to all other drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists on the road. Studies show that on average, a texting driver takes his or her eyes off the road for about five seconds to read or send a message, more than doubling the driver’s risk of a crash. At highway speeds, that’s long enough to cover the length of a football field. Research also shows that texting reduces reaction time by more than one third and steering control by more than 90 percent. In fact, a recent study from the University of Utah concludes that it’s more dangerous to be texting than it is to be drunk while driving.

The secondary nature of New York State’s law dilutes its deterrence value and lawmakers need to stiffen the consequences for those who endanger the rest of us with their careless conduct. There is overwhelming public consensus on the unique threat of text-messaging while driving, and state legislators need to respond by enacting a tougher law.

Do you think texting while driving should be a primary offense? Go to CarandTravelMagazine.com and take our poll.