Published June 23, 2010

Fail. (AP)

We all do it. You and I and everyone else with a cell phone, especially a smart phone, have momentarily compromised our very lives while driving to reply to a text or switch up the iPod. If you say haven’t done it, you’re lying.

Some research shows it’s more dangerous than driving while drunk, because reaction time is slower. Other research shows that’s an exaggeration, but it’s still very dangerous. Even Oprah weighed in with her own experiment. The point is, you’re taking your eyes off the road for, like, five seconds. We know it’s dangerous. But we still do it.

Massachusetts may be late to this party, but the all-but-official texting ban is the most comprehensive I’ve seen anywhere. So maybe the letter of the law — the threat of a $500 fine and license suspension — will get us to stop. Under the state Safe Driving Act, the following would be illegal:

• Texting while driving
• Texting while sitting at red lights and stop signs
• Googling, e-mailing, tweeting, Google Mapping, Shazaming while driving
• Using the phone at all while driving, if you’re under 18

Under the proposed law, texting is shorthand for “any message that includes a keystroke entry sent between mobile electronic devices.” OK, so I can still talk on the phone while driving. But can I dial a number? How would a cop know that I’m looking up a number to call my buddy, and not sending him a WHERE U AT?

I want your confessions in the comments. Have you had any close calls? Worse, have you or your loved ones been involved in an accident because of distracted driving? We’ll share your confessions as part of a conversation today on Radio Boston.

Update: The bill cleared the Massachusetts House; on to the Senate.