I read the oddest story today on MSNBC about the rise in injuries while text messaging. ("Texters hurt as they walk, ride — even cook," www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25934644). The story talks about the rise in number of people injured because their text messaging distracts them from physical activity.

Now, a natural-born klutz, I understand that accidents do happen. I've had my share of trips on the sidewalk and spills off a bicycle while fully concentrating on the physical task at hand. Add to it a cell phone and I can see how this because a dangerous world.

It's a good thing a new Minnesota law is going into effect Friday, prohibiting drivers from text messaging while behind the wheel. (I mean, if they can't walk and text, they probably should not be driving and texting.)

The law was sponsored by a Minneapolis lawmaker who feared texting while driving is becoming a major distraction, especially among young drivers. The law, part of the transportation omnibus bill, states: "No person may operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message, when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic." (Art. 1, Sec. 38)

Exceptions are established for emergency situations, if the device is operated in a hands-free or voice-activated mode, to make a phone call or by certain emergency personnel in the official course of duty.

So word to the wise, if you have to send that text right now, do it while you're standing still. And behind the wheel doesn't count.