A near miss on the highway between two vehicles these days, and you can almost bet one of the drivers had a cell phone to their ear or was texting someone. Now imagine if that person also could speak to update a Facebook status.

Alabama does not have a statewide law banning texting while driving, although some municipalities in the state, such as Huntsville and Adamsville have incorporated their own.

The Selma City Council has not taken up the issue. This body seems more concerned with people running signals rather than running into someone because of the cell phone distraction.

Well, state and local governments may step aside soon and give way to the federal government banning texting and other entertainment-related activities while in a vehicle.

On Tuesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood gave a stern tongue lashing to the auto industry for turning vehicles into entertainment centers.

LaHood called the conference on distracted driving to say while vehicle manufacturers had supported bans on text messaging and hand-held cell phone use while driving, they had introduced other distractions.

For example, many new vehicles will allow drivers update their Facebook status. OnStar, the in-car services network recently announced a new service that allows updates by dictating to the OnStar. Additionally, the driver may listen to the most recent updates from their Facebook news feeds through OnStar. General Motors is testing this application presently, hoping to use the new feature as a sales tool and give GM a competitive edge.

LaHood said, “Features that pull drivers’ hands, eyes and attention away from the road are distractions.”

The Transportation Department said traffic deaths fell 9.7 percent in 2009 to 33,808, the lowest number since 1950. In 2008, an estimated 37,423 people died on the highways. That’s because more people buckle up, have side air bags and anti-rollover technology in more vehicles. Many states have curbed drinking and driving, according to experts.

We shouldn’t replace those safety devices with items that take focus from the road. Multi-tasking doesn’t work from behind the steering wheel.