WHO: Text-happy teen drivers

WHAT: In the past five years, nearly 100 teenagers have died in vehicle accidents related to texting while driving in New York City and Long Island alone, according to New York Sen. Charles Schumer.

WHY IT HAPPENED: The Democratic senator cited the U.S. Department of Transportation statistics in support of his efforts to have all states ban texting while driving.

WHY IT’S A BAD IDEA: The large number of deaths in such a small area suggests that the nationwide toll is staggering. The Obama administration is seeking to ban texting by interstate bus drivers and truckers, and it’s pushing states to pass their own bans. New York’s ban takes effect Nov. 1.