A bill headed to the desk of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger bans 16- and 17-year-old drivers from using their most prized possessions - cell phones, text messaging devices, laptop computers or any other electronic gizmos - while they are driving.

The governor has yet to decide whether he will sign the bill.

Studies show that driving while talking on a cell phone is equivalent to being under the influence, so I am amazed that there has not been a worldwide ban for all ages to stop use of any high-tech gadgets while driving a vehicle. I would also add eating and drinking.

When did it become fashionable to believe that we are capable of doing multiple tasks while navigating roads filled with motorists who have a variety of driving skills?

Even under the best of circumstances, getting into an accident is not that unusual. I used to think flying was scary, but at least a plane has a co-pilot and automatic pilot.

I don’t ever remember my grandmother stirring her sauce, ironing and tap dancing at the same time. I often watched her making bread or mending socks. There always seemed to be a meditative quality to what she did. I am not trying to live in the past, but I believe we have lost a great deal of that generation’s wisdom in our quest to get more done.

Somehow we have been seduced into thinking that we can’t ever do just one thing at a time. It seems that the more things you do at once, the more you are admired.

I’ve been in cars with drivers who were talking on their cell phones, eating their lunch, which sat precariously in their laps, and sipping hot coffee.I made comments like: ‘‘Would you like to vacuum the car in between gulps?’’ or ‘‘I hope you get discount coupons at the dry cleaner’s.’’

But it just gets me a look and a giggle, and then they keep going. I finally realized that I was the idiot for riding with them, or at the least not creating some boundaries. If they want to kill themselves while trying to avoid being sideswiped and munching on a slice of pepperoni pizza, then so be it.

My inner Italian food critic has always advised me that eating should be done with your full attention. If I’m eating anything, I want to savor it and know what I ate. Otherwise what’s the point?

Unfortunately, the culture is missing the point: Focusing on the task at hand creates the best outcome. Trying to be a multitasking warrior will truly not serve you in the end.Something’s got to give and it could be you.

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