Way back in my driver’s education days, I remember watching a video on what not to do while driving. The driver was cruising along on a busy city road and munching on chips, grabbing items from the backseat, opening a pop and drinking it and changing the radio station while trying not to crash.

It seemed a little far-fetched at the time, but I think a video like that, perhaps updated to DVD format, a cooler car and more fashionable clothes for the actor, still serves a purpose.

The problem, though, extends beyond eating and drinking behind the wheel.

While stopped at a stoplight, I’ve looked over to see men shaving, women applying makeup and even people brushing their teeth.

We have even bigger problems in 2009: texting messaging and cell phone use.

Some states have banned cell phone use, with the exception of hands free devices, including talking and texting.

Minnesota is on the right track, having banned texting, e-mailing or accessing the Web on a wireless device while driving since Aug. 1 of last year.

The violation can cost offenders $300 and applies to both the young and the old.

It also appears that a national ban on texting while driving is gaining steam.

The Associated Press reported this week that legislation, backed by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), would require states to ban texting or e-mailing while operating a moving vehicle or lose 25 percent of their annual federal highway funding.

We should also continue to address cell phone use in general while driving, at least at the state level.

Using your phone in your car is not against the law in Minnesota, but it should be.

With Blue Tooth technology and all of the other devices available, using your hands with your cell phone really isn’t necessary anymore.

Driving can be a challenge when it’s 60 degrees outside, when you’ve had a license for decades and when no one else is on the road.

Deer, anyone?

So add a cell phone and texting and snow and what you get is a dangerous situation that can cause injury or death to you and to other motorists.

Texting and cell phones, with the exception of hands free cell phone use, should be banned while driving period.

People also have to step up and use common sense while driving, making sure they’re not distracted when at the wheel.

That means no chips, shaving or makeup please.