Another danger: Officers target speed; texting should be next

You have seen the scary commercials and probably have heard the warnings: Texting while driving is dangerous.

But some of us have also seen the direct result, too -- swerving drivers who cannot maintain lanes or assured clear distance because their attentions are elsewhere.

No matter what anyone says, there is no way to pay attention to a cell phone screen and a keyboard and to drive safely.

If you have managed to do it well to this point, you have been lucky, pure and simple.

There is no text message worth putting yourself, your passengers and other drivers at risk. And it is time those who refuse to believe this fact are forced to comply with what can only be termed a vital safe driving practice as important as maintaining a safe speed and wearing a seat belt.

And that is not the only decision that needs to be made.

Young drivers should be forced to holster their phones completely in the car. If they are caught on a cell phone, their driving privileges should be suspended. That way, they will know that we as a country are serious about safety.

Driving a car is a privilege that carries with it a large amount of responsibility.

It is time to demand that all who take advantage of the freedom maintain the responsibility as well.

Published in Editorials on April 14, 2014 11:02 AM