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Every driver knows what a speed-trap is.  But what about a "text-trap"???

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that two states, Connecticut and Massachusetts, would each be getting $275,000 grants "to help them plan and conduct high-visibility anti-texting enforcement programs."

The goal is to train police officers on better methods for spotting drivers who are texting...not only on patrol, but from more covert locations like highway overpasses.

LaHood noted in his "FastLane Blog" that it's more difficult to detect drivers who are texting than it is to find those who are talking on their hand-held cell phones while driving.

The plan also aims to develop awareness campaigns that alert the public to the dangers of texting and driving.

LaHood said "Today, 39 states have laws on the books that specifically ban texting and 10 states have laws that prohibit the use of handheld cell phones while driving."

He continued, "Despite the existence of such laws, DOT distracted driving pilot programs conducted in Hartford, Connecticut, and Syracuse, New York, found that it is more challenging for law enforcement officers to detect drivers texting behind the wheel than drivers talking on handheld devices."

The grants aim to help officers more accurately identify and effectively stop texting behind the wheel.  The call for Connecticut and Massachusetts to develop anti-texting enforcement protocols and techniques such as using stationary patrols, spotters on overpasses on elevated roadways, and roving patrols.

LaHood says that the pilot programs in Hartford and Syracuse "Have shown that strong laws, strong enforcement, and ongoing public awareness make a noticeable difference in reducing distracted driving."

He added,  "I look forward to seeing the results of the new enforcement programs announced today as we work to put an end to this deadly behavior."

Should federal tax dollars be spent on catching people texting while driving?  What do you think of the practice of spying for texters from highway overpasses?