There's no disputing Americans are addicted to their electronic devices.

The benefits of texting and emailing do carry a negative flip side, however, especially on the road.According to federal estimates, distracted driving contributes to 16 percent of all fatal crashes, leading to around 5,000 deaths every year. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that text messaging while driving creates a crash risk 23 times higher than driving while not distracted.More than 80 percent of drivers cite distraction as a serious problem and a behavior that makes them feel less safe on the road, according to the annual AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index. Despite the growing list of grim statistics, more than 37 percent of drivers have admitted to sending or receiving text messages while driving, and 18 percent admit doing so regularly.Last week, we learned that the distracted driving problem has actually worsened in Pennsylvania, despite the fact it's illegal to use your cellphone while driving to send or receive texts, emails or messages of any kind. A report stated that the 1,410 Pennsylvania drivers cited for texting while driving in 2014 was 70 more than in 2013 and 220 more than in 2012.One officer in western Pennsylvania said more drivers are being cited under a different statute for using headphones while driving.It's not illegal in this state to make phone calls while driving, but if motorists must make or receive a call while driving, they are urged to pull off the road whenever possible, use a hands-free device, and never participate in emotionally heated conversations.Just last week, 53-year-old Thomas Rich was in the middle of a text message when he crashed into a motorcycle in Fayette County, killing its driver. Rich reportedly acknowledged texting but denied doing so at the time his vehicle hit a motorcycle driven by 28-year-old Brian Humbert near an off ramp. Police, however, say they later found a half-written text that hadn't been sent.We hope that law enforcement continues to strictly enforce laws. Drivers who continue to read, compose and send text messages and emails need to get the message that such reckless behavior not only puts them at risk but endangers everyone else on the road at the time.By JIM ZBICKtneditor@tnonline.com