Drive On: 40th state bans texting in cars

Add Hawaii to the list of states that have banned texting while driving. The 50th state in the union becomes the 40th state to crack down on distracted motoring.

Not bad when you consider the movement to crack down on texters on wheels only began in 2007, about the same time that smartphones with the capability were first coming into widespread use.

In addition, the law signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie earlier this month also bans using a hand-held phone will driving. Hawaii becomes the 11 state with that provision, according the Governors Highway Safety Association.

"This action sends an important message to all Hawaii drivers: cell phone use and driving do not mix," says GHSA Executive Director Barbara Harsha.

Next up: Florida and Texas, both states with a generally fierce opposition to government intrusion into driver's lives. The fights might be harder in those two states.