While you slept last night, a new law took effect at midnight that made it illegal to text and drive at the same time. The law also applies to sending an e-mail and driving or doing pretty much anything other than talking on your phone and driving.

A person may not use a telecommunications device to transmit a text message or electronic mail message while operating a moving motor vehicle.

The bill goes on to say,

A person who violates subsection (a) commits a Class D infraction.

According to Indiana Code 34-28-5, a Class D infraction carries a $25 fine. However if you were to cause a traffic accident due to sending a text or e-mail while driving, House Bill 1050 bumps the violation up to a Class B infraction which can carry as much as a $1,000 fine.

I'll admit, I have been guilty of texting and driving. Usually it's just a quick "OK" or an "On my way" to my wife to let her know I'll be home soon. And there have been times where I'm shooting a quick text and I look up to find myself drifting toward the center of the road. However I will say this, if someone texts me while I'm driving and the response needs to be a bit more detailed, I will pull into the first parking lot I see, put my truck in Park, and respond. See? At least I try to be responsible from time to time.

I think this is a good move by the Indiana government. Hopefully this will get people to understand the potential danger that's caused by taking your eyes off the road for even the shortest amount of time. Hurting yourself or someone else isn't worth the 2-seconds it takes to type LOL. Talk about FML.

More From WDKS-FM