For many American drivers, multitasking behind the wheel is commonplace. Switching a radio station, drinking coffee, checking a map and talking on a cell phone are all everyday tasks that easily interfere with driving.In recent years, another activity has spurred distraction: Text messaging.As the Tribune reported Tuesday, state legislators are considering a bill that would make texting and driving an illegal combination.However, as local law-enforcement officials point out, it would be a difficult statute to enforce.Just as drivers rush to click a seatbelt when pulled over by an officer, they can easily tuck a cell phone away. Drivers are unlikely to readily admit that they were distracted by a text message after a traffic stop, or worse, a car wreck.Last fall, in separate crashes, two young Wyoming athletes' deaths were linked to texting, according to the Casper Star-Tribune. The Wyoming Highway Patrol believes Mitchell Birch, 17, of Encampment, a football player at Saratoga High School, and Brittany Rentas, 16, of Wright, an all-state cross country runner, were texting at the time of the fatal collisions. These tragic deaths show the danger of mixing messaging with driving.Young drivers —who have less experience on the road to begin with —are much more likely than older drivers to text while driving.In a report released in December, 50 percent of drivers ages 18-24 admitted to sending text messages while driving, according to the American Auto Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety.Text messaging while driving is already illegal in numerous states, including Alaska, Connecticut, California and Minnesota. It's time for the Cowboy State to act as well.Though a law may curb some texting behind the wheel, it's also up to drivers of all ages to be sensible and focus on driving rather than messaging.

For many American drivers, multitasking behind the wheel is commonplace. Switching a radio station, drinking coffee, checking a map and talking on a cell phone are all everyday tasks that easily interfere with driving.

In recent years, another activity has spurred distraction: Text messaging.

As the Tribune reported Tuesday, state legislators are considering a bill that would make texting and driving an illegal combination.

However, as local law-enforcement officials point out, it would be a difficult statute to enforce.

Just as drivers rush to click a seatbelt when pulled over by an officer, they can easily tuck a cell phone away. Drivers are unlikely to readily admit that they were distracted by a text message after a traffic stop, or worse, a car wreck.

Last fall, in separate crashes, two young Wyoming athletes' deaths were linked to texting, according to the Casper Star-Tribune. The Wyoming Highway Patrol believes Mitchell Birch, 17, of Encampment, a football player at Saratoga High School, and Brittany Rentas, 16, of Wright, an all-state cross country runner, were texting at the time of the fatal collisions.

These tragic deaths show the danger of mixing messaging with driving.

Young drivers —who have less experience on the road to begin with —are much more likely than older drivers to text while driving.

In a report released in December, 50 percent of drivers ages 18-24 admitted to sending text messages while driving, according to the American Auto Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Text messaging while driving is already illegal in numerous states, including Alaska, Connecticut, California and Minnesota. It's time for the Cowboy State to act as well.

Though a law may curb some texting behind the wheel, it's also up to drivers of all ages to be sensible and focus on driving rather than messaging.