Is It Worth It?

Hi Everyone,

As I wrote about in my very first blog, common sense is not taught in high school or college. But boy it should be. While reading my Sunday paper, I read a very interesting letter to the editor. It was about texting and talking on cell phones while driving. What don't drivers get? If you are texting while driving, you must take your eyes off the road. Doesn't anyone think this is dangerous?  I guess not, since there are so many accidents due to texting or talking on a cell phone.

The writer of the letter to the editor, had some interesting ideas on how to curb such foolish and stupid behavior. First he says that texting/cell phone use while driving should be equivalent to a DWI conviction. At least 5 points on your license, loss of driving privileges for 6 months and revocation of your cell phone provider for 6 months. I like those ideas but I have an even better one. First of all, with technology jumping leaps and bounds every day, why not have some kind of cell phone blocking device that won't allow cell reception, both incoming and outgoing, unless the speedometer is at zero? That to me seems to be the very best common sense solution. No reception, no cell phone use. Of course, these blocking devices would be initially installed in new cars. But, what to do if a person is caught using a cell phone in an older car? Well, why not take a page from serial drunk drivers. I have read that repeat drunk drivers have a device installed in their car, by court order, where the driver must blow into the device to determine if they had been drinking. No alcohol in your system and the car will start. Alcohol in your system and the car won't start. So why can't a court order a cell phone reception killing device installed in the car? Think about it. No reception means that you can't use a cell phone, period! To me that seems to be the best solution that will absolutely stop texting and cell phone use while driving. Is there a better solution? I am not aware of any.

Drivers, especially teenagers and 20 something year olds, just don't get how dangerous it is to use a cell phone while driving. Now don't get me wrong, I see plenty of older people using cell phones while driving, but the majority of cell phone users that I see are younger. This insanity must be stopped sooner rather then later. The longer we wait, the more accidents will occur.

Til next week.

Peter