Have you ever stopped to consider how society managed to function prior to cell phones, answering machines, computers, and more recently, the infamous text message?

Digital communication has expanded exponentially over the past five years, but not without some serious growing pains.

Following a number of recent fatalities linked to the activity, texting while driving has become an issue for state lawmakers.

According to a recent report by the Associated Press, 13 traffic fatalities over the past year have been attributed to drivers who were distracted by texting or other portable electronic devices. During the next legislative session, legislators can expect to debate a bill by Rep. Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa, and Rep. Danny Morgan, D-Prague, to ban the handheld use of electronic devices while driving.

Rep. Mike Brown, D-Tahlequah, has been discussing the subject for over a year.

“I host a program in schools where visit with kids about current topics,” he said. “Over a year ago, I met with one group who chose texting as their topic for debate. While they didn’t want to give up their cell phone use while driving, texting was controversial.”

Brown said one of the youth swore he could hold his hand outside the car and return a text message without looking.

“I have a hard enough time just answering the phone while driving, much less trying to read a text,” said Brown. “I use Bluetooth, which allows me to talk on the phone hands-free, and I also have a voice-recognition application for texting that’s hands-free, and I don’t even have to look at the phone. Texting is not something I think you can do while driving and remain safe.”

Brown believes that technology may catch up with the desire to text, but until then, a law may be necessary to keep the public safe.

“It will take some time,” said Brown. “We’re getting there; it’s just a matter of when. Sooner is better. There will be bills filed this year, and I think it will be bipartisan effort.”

Brad Robertson, public information officer for the Tahlequah Police Department, said Tahlequah has its share of crashes, and texting could be adding to the problem.

“While we don’t have any hard data on the number of wrecks caused by texting, we do know any sort of distraction while driving can be dangerous,” said Robertson.

He agreed that legislation could help the situation, but also believes technology will eventually advance to reduce the risks of distraction while using electronic devices in the car.

The Daily Press conducted an unscientific, online poll, asking readers how they felt about cell phones while driving. Of 91 respondents, 40.66 percent said they believe texting should be banned, as well as talking without a hands-free device, compared to 27.47 percent who want texting banned, but believe talking on cell phones is OK. A little over 18 percent of respondents said both texting and talking – hands-free or otherwise – should be banned, compared to 8.79 percent, who say there should be no restriction whatsoever on cell phone use.

Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma, said his organization will support a ban on texting while driving.