Around 1.6 million crashes a year are caused by drivers on their phones - around 28% of all road accidents - according to the National Safety Council. It's also been reported that texting is six times more dangerous than driving intoxicated, yet the penalties are hugely unequal.

In the state of Oregon, which has the largest possible penalty for texting while driving, the worst that can happen to a texting driver is up to $2,500 in fines and a possible six months jail time, but only after multiple offenses.

In contrast, if you get a three DUIs in ten years in the state of Oregon, you get a felony charge with a minimum of ninety days jail time, up to $125,000 in fines and possibly the permanent loss of your driving privileges.

For something that's at least just as dangerous, the punishment doesn't seem to fit the crime.

Texting while driving should have higher legal penalties, such as higher fines and the possibility of license suspension.

I would like to make it clear: I am not advocating for an implied consent law for texting while driving. I believe in personal liberties and I believe such a law would be an overstep of authority, but that is not the only way to make a difference. For example, higher fines for first offenders or possible license suspension/jail time for drivers who caused a wreck because they were on their phone.

Just because there is no 'perfect solution', that does not mean that no action should be taken.

Please sign this petition and support the move to raise the legal penalties to meet the dangers of this behavior.