It’s a bad habit that many of us have been guilty of. It’s a dangerous and it can lead to injuries and even death. We’re talking about using a cell phone while driving, whether it’s for a phone call or text messaging.

A group of University of Tennessee students, along with the American Automobile Association, is lobbying for a ban on cell phone use and text messaging while driving, according to the Tennessean website.

According to the student group and AAA, the studies have shown that in the past few years, “driver distraction is a deadly issue that should not be ignored.”

A Harvard University study reported that about 2,600 people die each year on American highways as a result of using a cell phone or text messaging.

Here in California, two cell phone laws took effect on July 1. The first law prohibits all drivers from using a hand-held wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle; the second law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or a hands-free device while driving, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles’ website.

It’s refreshing to see students who want to put a ban on the use of cell phones while driving. It drives me crazy when I get cut off by someone who is using their phone, either texting or having a conversation.

This isn’t about the physical part of using a cell phone while driving. It’s not hard to hold a phone with one hand and drive with the other. Mentally, it’s often difficult to focus on both at the same time, especially if the conversation has a more serious tone.

For myself, texting while driving used to be standard procedure. It took a close call for me to realize how dangerous it is, and how a few seconds can make all the difference in the world when you’re behind the wheel.

Although the laws are designed with good intent, they could subliminally be a ploy for racial profiling. Police now have the ability to pull anyone over if they are using a phone, or use this law as a copout even if they suspect the driver was using a cell phone illegally. Since these laws are brand-new, there has been no time to collect data on this possibility. But since we know racial profiling exists, it’s not irrational to suggest that some cops could take advantage of this new power.

There is a gray area with these laws. While driving, people are discreet when they text, and it is often not visible to other drivers. Police may have a hard time determining when people are texting, as it only takes a few seconds to compose a message.

The student group from Tennessee has the right idea and this is a step in the right direction. Roads would be infinitely safer if everyone remained focused and weren’t caught up in their own drama.

Kyle Kershner can be reached at [email protected]