Approximately 421,000 people were injured and 3,328 died in distracted  driving accidents in 2012. As policymakers nationwide look at new laws to curb  distracted driving, one proposal in New Jersey is getting heat for what some say  is a vague and far too broad definition of “distraction.” If passed, the law could put a big dent in the things New Jersey drivers are allowed to do while driving.

State Assemblyman John Wisniewski proposed the bill to sanction drivers for all manner of distraction. For him, it’s the only answer to a growing problem — a problem not remedied by a ban on handheld phones behind the wheel.

The law would ban drivers from any activity unrelated to operating their vehicle that interferes with safe driving. The Times of Trenton argues that the bill could ban looking at a map, sipping coffee, putting on make-up or even changing the radio station.

Wisniewski says the police would be able to stop some dangerous distractions that could never be written into law. For example, a driver who changes clothes behind the wheel could be ticketed without the law specifically addressing this behavior.

Current Laws Cover Cellphone Use

As in other states, distracted driving laws in New Jersey have focused on the use of cellphones. New Jersey prohibits drivers from hand-held phone use, including texting and calling. For school bus drivers and new drivers, the ban extends to all cellphone use. Violation of these laws carries significant fines and penalties.

But traffic crashes related to distracted driving remain a problem.

In fact, drivers in New Jersey and across the nation are distracted by a variety of things. Though texting and phoning are common contributors to accidents, they aren’t the only ones to blame. With current laws already penalizing those who use their phones behind the wheel, wouldn’t the next step involve stopping other distracting behaviors?

Wisniewski recently defended his bill in the Courier Post. He said the problem with current laws is that police currently have no way to enforce against distracting behavior that threatens public safety. The proposal, he says, would give law enforcement the tool to stop drivers who engage in distracting behavior and warn all motorists about the dangers of many types of distractions.