You’d think there’d be no one on Goat Hill who’d say driving while distracted is OK — under certain conditions, of course.

You’d be wrong.

Which is why people often shake their heads in bewilderment at the goings-on in Montgomery.

First, the facts: Reputable study after reputable study says drivers who read or send text messages are dangers on the road. No more debate is needed.

Nineteen states, districts or U.S. territories already ban text messaging while driving. Nine states ban the practice for young drivers.

Alabama isn’t one of them, but some well-intentioned legislators are trying to change that unfortunate fact.

Last week, however, state Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, posted two objections to the Senate’s text-messaging bill that now seems doomed in this legislative session.

Bedford’s concern that the act would be classified as a primary, rather than secondary, offense has some limited merit. Other legislators have expressed similar sentiments.

But his other concern?

“What if your grandmother died and someone sent you a text message to tell you?” Bedford asked, according to the Associated Press.

That’s the kind of governing that often gives Goat Hill its unbecoming reputation.

Here’s a message — a real one, not a text — for Sen. Bedford: Drivers shouldn’t send or read texts. It’s dangerous. It needs to be banned.

Sadly, on Goat Hill the obvious choice isn’t the choice taken. Thanks a lot, legislators.