With a little bit of common sense, the vast majority of North Carolinians would avoid driving while texting, changing CDs, opening sandwiches or trying to read a road map.

Common sense, unfortunately, often seems to be in short supply.

That’s one reason the N.C. Highway Patrol has marked today and Thursday as opportunities to make a statement about people who let distractions interfere with safe driving. The Patrol plans to be on the lookout in Nash County and other targeted areas for people who are trying to perform other activities while behind the wheel.

Specific laws give the Patrol only so much authority. It’s against the law to text, for example, but not to make cellphone calls. And legislation has yet to pass that targets consumption of fast-food combo meals or putting on the latest Taylor Swift album while trying to negotiate a left turn.

But if we can be adults for a second, do we really need laws to tell us those aren’t smart moves?

The Highway Patrol can charge motorists with reckless driving. That’s probably their best weapon against folks guilty of “driving while stupid.”

So, let’s be smart drivers – not just for the next couple of days but for all the days after that as well.

It’s a simple resolution that can go a long way toward keeping us safe and happy on North Carolina highways for many years to come.