“It takes 8,460 bolts to assemble an automobile, and only one nut to scatter it all over the road.”

- Bumper sticker

Just when I think our governing bodies are getting a bit too intrusive in our daily lives they go and pass legislation that I not only support but can completely agree with.

From here on out if you're caught driving while texting, you'll be subject to a hefty fine. Personally, I think this bill should have been actually created a while ago, but seeing as though no one in any power ever listens to me, I've had to wait until now to have my reward. And to all the detractors on this one, all I can ask is what type of manifesto are you writing that is so important that you can risk the chance of taking your eyes off the road for 30 seconds at a time?

But as I sit here thinking about it, I wonder if we have gone far enough with outlawing some of our driving distractions? I think we should actually expand this one and ban a few other activities happening on the road.

From ladies putting on makeup to guys shaving, you'd think people were in their bathrooms at 7 a.m. instead of on the road driving their commutes. I've even been witness to someone brushing their teeth on the Thruway doing 65.

But those are obvious accidents waiting to happen. It's the people so easily distracted by the mundane that worry me.

True story: I was driving west down Grant Avenue when I pulled up to the light in front of Wal-Mart and I noticed that the guy in the car next to me was diligently picking his nose. I tried not to stare, but it was one of those sights that you just couldn't help but do a double-take on. As the light turned green I figured he would stop and concentrate more on the road than his nasal cavities, but at the next red light, there he was still digging away.

In fact, I dare to guess that it took less effort in locating the Titanic than whatever this guy was rooting around for.

Sure, I understand that there comes a time in everyone's life where you're compelled to finish what you start, but if you really need a boogie in your car that badly, then just turn on the radio and keep your hands on the wheel.

And speaking of radios, just because your stereo has more bass than Barry White doesn't mean that when a good song comes on that you're suddenly on a dance floor. Pay attention to your driving, because I don't feel like doing the fender bender tango!

Driving is a responsibility, and if you can't handle it then ride a bike. Then again, you'd probably be playing with the little bell the whole time! And then we'd have to make a law against that, too.

Auburn native Bradley Molloy's column appears here each

Sunday. He can be reached at lovonian@hotmail.com