I think is really depends on the driver..
There are always going to be opportunities to be distracted and not focus 100% on the road while driving, but it is unrealistic to make every one of those activities illegal.
If a cop were to see a person driving as if they were drunk, only to find that those in the car were involved in an activity that caused them to be unsafe and reckless, I would think he could cite them for reckless driving.. So in a way this is already covered, and the cops are able to issue a citation for driving dangerously.
As for the level of drunk driving? I'd say no. Drunks are physically not able to perceive what's going on them quickly enough or well enough to be able to handle a car at reasonably speeds. While I'll admit people can get pretty worked up while driving, I still think they are much more able to handle their vehicle and be aware compared to being drunk.
I would definitely oppose the penalties being as harsh as drunk driving, and I doubt they ever will be, primarily because the drunk driving penalties are so harsh and can literally change/ruin a driver's life.
Neat article though, thanks for sharing it.
