Despite not being the largest in North Carolina, a Triad city — Greensboro — had the most violations reported for texting while driving since the law’s inception in December of 2009, according to research by the Associated Press.

And surprisingly, the AP reported this week that young drivers aren’t the only ones being caught with busy fingers while behind the wheel. Of the more than 1,200 motorists cited, the majority of those caught violating the law are older than 25.

It is a shame that people who are supposed to be more mature and serve as examples and role models for the youth are the ones getting in trouble. A spokesman for AAA Carolinas cited the need to stay in contact with work and email as the reason so many adults are violating the law.

This desire to work while driving is a problem, and it needs to be a habit broken. Adults deserve a break from the hustle and bustle of the office, and should be more responsible as well.

One letter, one dropped eye to read a message, one second looking away from the road, could have tragic results. This is the reason state lawmakers passed the ban to start with, and it is the reason drivers should be abiding by it, no matter how important that business deal might seem.

If it is imperative that a driver read an email or message, or send a note back, then take the time to pull over on the shoulder of the highway. Or, find a parking area at a gas station or church or store where the message can be read safely, without posing a risk to others on the road.

Adults need to take a queue from driving teens and be responsible enough to obey the law. It could save lives.