Washington’s new distracted driving laws are both reasonable and necessary, especially in light of our growing dependence on phones for constant communication. Nearly everyone will acknowledge that driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is an incredibly foolish decision, as that it has incredibly deadly consequences.

However, with our increased dependence on cell phones needs to come new laws that address this new distraction–thus, the Driving Under the Influence of Electronics Act.

The main body of this act essentially states that drivers cannot hold their phone while driving. The previous law on cell phones said that drivers could not text, nor could they hold a phone to their ears. However, this is easy to get out of, as one could claim it was on speakerphone; thus, tighter restrictions were needed.

Drivers always need to be alert, even at red lights, as massive metal vehicles could come crashing into them at any moment. Laws are designed to protect people, and that is what this new law does.

The all-too-familiar sight of the kid on Snapchat taking videos of himself speeding down the narrow, winding May Valley road reinforces the need for these new DUI-E laws. People should not be driving 90 mph, let alone videotaping themselves because that’s reckless and just ridiculous.

Despite the unrealistic idea of completely enforcing these new laws, drivers should be responsible citizens and adhere to these new rules because the amount of vehicular deaths is way too high.

However, some people take issue with the secondary part of the new DUI-E Act–that it is a second offense to be distracted by something else, such as eating, drinking, or brushing one’s hair.

However, it is important to recognize that if you can drive legally while eating your taco, the law has no problem with that. For example, I know that I can drink my coffee responsibly while driving, but I know that I cannot eat spaghetti without being distracted, so I refrain.

Overall, these new laws are a very reasonable way to help limit those who have trouble limiting themselves, and a way to help prevent more vehicular deaths.