Penalty for cell phones is a good call
You mean we actually have had a law against talking on your handheld cell phone while driving since 2001? ["Stiffer penalty for driving and talking on cell phone," News, Feb. 16.] Who would have guessed?
On any given day I can drive one mile down the road and see at least five people talking on their handheld cell phone. Does anyone really get ticketed? I think not!
Just imagine how much money the county could have collected the past 10 years. Doubtful anyone will stop using their handheld cell phone now that they will get 2 points on their license.
Donna Mutch, Hicksville
So the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles thinks adding 2 points to someone's license will somehow deter cell phone use while driving. I think not. It's laughable to think that the simple addition of points will force an appreciable number of these motorists to think twice before dialing, answering or texting while behind the wheel.
We need a major deterrent: Starting tomorrow, police should confiscate the cell phone of anyone who is caught talking or texting while driving - only to be returned after the fine is paid and points are added to their license, a process that should take at least a few weeks.
Perhaps the embarrassment of explaining to a friend, spouse, parent or boss the reason for their sudden inaccessibility will be a deterrent. Perhaps the cost and inconvenience of having to secure another phone in the interim will make these lawbreakers with apparent disregard for safety think twice.
Dominick A. Barone, Seaford
It's about time the authorities start to aggressively address the issue of driving and talking or texting on a cell phone!
These days, I feel as if I'm taking my life in my hands every time I step into my car. It's a guarantee I will see someone driving erratically heading straight for me and when they pass, they're looking down at their cell, texting or dialing a number.
Let's hope the police remain aggressive in enforcing this law and let's make sure texting while driving is made a primary violation, giving them the ability to do so.
Jim Caulfield, Massapequa Park
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