We are well aware of the dangers of distracted driving, the consequences of which can be tragic. Emerging laws and regulations reflect the uptick in crash severity and claims activity, in addition to the perils posed to drivers and pedestrians alike. Currently 11 states have officially banned talking on a hand-held device while driving. Many more—41 states in total, plus the District of Columbia last time I checked—have gone a step further, banning texting while driving (TWD).

Companies across the board, from insurers to automakers such as Volkswagen and Audi, to cell-phone providers—including AT&T, which recently created the #ItCanWait distracted driving campaign—are trumpeting safe driving practices via public awareness campaigns. After five years of stalled progress, Florida became the latest (41st) state to hop on the anti-TWD bandwagon last month. Gov. Rick Scott signed into law SB-52, which prohibits manual texting only while driving, thereby granting drivers stuck in traffic congestion or idling at a stoplight to, well, type away.

To me, allowing drivers to stay connected, albeit with dubious provisions, while operating a heavy, sophisticated (and potentially deadly) piece of machinery obscures boundaries that should otherwise be crystal clear. It could be argued that teens especially need clearly defined boundaries and consequences for noncompliance. Sure, drivers of all ages engage in dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. But if we are to believe recent data, then teens are the most likely TWD offenders occupying U.S. roads.