CELL PHONES: Ban them while driving

I’ve been reading the articles and letters that have trickled in about banning cell phones and texting while driving, including one “very well put” by fifth-grader, Emily Danforth as well as one written by Ken Owens a while back. Frankly, I believe it has been long-overdue, because I’ve had just as many close calls with those “cell phonies” as I’ve have with some characters I am about to mention.

Anyone who has taken “Driver’s Education” should know that driving is a PRIVILEGE — at least that’s what I was taught. Needless to say, it seems to be the first thing some of these idiots disregard the minute they get behind the wheel — unless of course they got their driver’s license out of a Cracker Jack box. We see them every day, such as the roadragers who think they own the road, so stay out of their way or else. Next, we have the ones who tailgate you, even when they know you don’t have any control over the slow-moving traffic in front of you. Oh, let’s not forget the ones who think Idaho’s roads, highways and streets are part of the “Indiana-500 raceway.” Last but not least, we have the ones who think turn signal lights are only for decoration.

I don’t feel I rank among these imbeciles (they don’t deserve to be called people) in which I have an overall “not too shabby” driving record to prove it. HOWEVER, when it comes to talking on a cell phone instead of giving the road my undivided attention it deserves, I’m just as guilty as the next person.

In light of this and what was mentioned in Miss Danforth’s and Mr. Owens’ letters, I would gladly support a ban on cell phones behind the wheel. A stiff fine along with a possible driver’s license suspension may prove to be a friendly reminder that driving is a PRIVILEGE, not one’s God-given right. And by the way, hands-free-sets aren’t 100 percent safer alternatives either, because just like a backseat full of screaming kids along with a nagging “significant other” on the passenger side (I’ve dealt with both), they too distract a person from what’s happening on the road.

Would such a ban stop everyone? Probably not, but I’m confident it would deter many of those who are otherwise safe drivers For example, anyone with a true sense of reality should know that locks and safes weren’t made to stop thieves. Instead, they were designed specifically to keep the honest people honest — a true thief will find a way to crack the safe or pick the lock. I know I would be much less tempted to pick up a cell phone behind the wheel if I was facing a possible fine and a driver’s license suspension.

So, there you have it. Locks and safes for honest people, and a cell phone ban for safe drivers. Be safe out there, watch out for those idiot drivers and most important, if you have to make or take that important call or text, be sure to pull over to the side of the road — I will if you will.

ROBERT MITCHAM

Coeur d’Alene