We’ve been grappling with this question: If everyone is already doing it, should texting while driving be made safer? Or should we just be forced to stop doing this extremely dangerous thing? We spoke with Gizmodo’s Joel Johnson about the topic. He argues that it is worth finding a safer way to text while driving; however, many, many listeners disagreed. Here are some of the comments we received.

On our website:

Justin from behind the wheel:

I think driving tests should be as comprehensive as possible in which students have to drive, take instruction from the proctor, chat with their friends in the back seat, drink a beverage, text with someone on their phone, etc... We'll then see who passes their driving test now, because any or all of these things are going to happen anyway....right? ‎"Ok Ashley, after this next right turn, I want you to get your cell phone out and talk/text with your best friend. We'll just continue the driving test normally as you do that. Good luck."

Larry Robbins from Fla.:

It is possible to have a software program developed that will read text and covert speech to text so that a driver can simply use a Bluetooth interface to a computer that performs these actions making SMS communication a hands-free and eyes on the road experience.

David from New York, NY:

Make texting while driving safer (for everyone else) by requiring people to UNBUCKLE before texting!

Via text message:

From Providence, RI

I think that if a police officer can be allowed to use a laptop while driving, then perhaps some training will help those texting.

From Newberry, SC

I imagine that shortly speak & text voice programs will be available.

Tom from Ashford, CT

The market will solve this problem with heads up displays and voice tools. Still, texting today needs to be treated harshly.

From Fort Worth, TX

It shouldn't be punished at all. It's just as dangerous as changing a cd. A safer way would be good.

From Oklahoma City, OK:

There should be a safer way to text while driving, but I think there should be a text disabling device required on all cars.

From Grand Prairie, TX

Ten years ago there was no such thing as "texting and driving" and we all survived. Why do we think it's so important now that we HAVE to find a way to do it, safely? I think it should be punishable, talking on the phone is bad enough.

On Facebook:

Suzanne Joblonski:

How in the world is there a safe way to manually text and drive at the same time?

Ingo Rautenberg:

Any time something takes away from concentration in driving, it's a hazard. Now just saying, "let's make it safer 'cause everyone is doing it" -- I don't think so. You can do a text to-speech system - but then you might as well just be talking on the phone.

John Ferry:

Give me adequate public transportation and I won't care how idiots use their two-ton weapons with which to kill each other. Frankly, the privilege to operate a motor vehicle should be the easiest to lose and the hardest to retain. Instead, it is treated more like a birth-right than a privilege. We spend too much money protecting people and property from folks who have no business operating a motor vehicle.

Praneendra Kuver:

Should drinking and driving be made safer, since people do that too? Obviously not. Stupidity should not be rewarded when it endangers others, no matter how commonplace it may be.

Ricardo Salas:

Every single day I see at least one vehicle driving crazy, only to find the driver texting. Like in airports when your cell phone recognizes it is in airport mode, there should be a device that tells the phone it is in vehicle mode, restricting the driver from texting.

And Alex called 877-8-MYTAKE:

Stronger laws against texting and driving are really not going to solve the problem. They might alleviate it a little bit but they're not really going to solve it. Because even if there's a law against texting and driving people are just going to try to text while hiding the phone you know putting the phone lower instead there should be developed technologies to make texting and driving a lot easier.  

We're continuing this conversation all week. So weigh in! Add your comments on The Takeaway website, call in to 877-8-MYTAKE, check out our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter.