Yawa A., myclubmy life.com Teen Reporter, BGC of Manchester, N.H.

No matter where you live, I'm sure we have all heard about the new state laws that ban texting while driving. Just this past year, 10 states have banned texting while driving -- even in the District of Columbia! Even if your state hasn't adopted this law or a variation, it's probably headed your way!

Many teens think that these laws are rather silly. What harm could one little text cause, right? Well, in 2010, more than 6,000 people were killed and 500,000 people were injured by drivers who were alleged to have been texting while driving. In the same study, a shocking 46 percent of teens under the age of 18 admitted to texting while driving! That is scary and unnecessary!

These laws were put into place due to the crazy number of accidents caused by texting while driving. These laws are clearly a safety precaution. And here are some safety tips to keep you from texting when behind the wheel:

• Keep your phone shut off or put it away somewhere so you won't see it so you won't be tempted to touch it. Out of sight means out of mind and that's one less dangerous temptation.
• Another way to prevent this urge is to reduce the amount of people in the car. Any more than one other person is a distraction. Teens are still learning how to drive and need as few distractions as possible!

Want to see where your state stands on texting and driving, and other distracted driving laws? Click here to read more from the Governor's Highway Safety Association. One can never be too safe when it comes to driving and these law makes the roads much safer. Remember, when it comes to texting and driving -- just don't do it!