Just Sayin’: Post hand-washing signs where they’ll be seen

We’ve all seen the signs in restaurant restrooms saying that employees must wash their hands. The signs always seem to be placed above or right near the sink, where people already washing their hands would see them anyway. These signs really need to be located on the doors of stalls and above urinals.

Norman Cohen, Farmingdale

Texters at red lights aren’t fully aware

I’m all for technology; however, it is supposed to make life easier, not consume it. Case in point: the “smartphone.” We all know texting while driving is not only unsafe, but also illegal. But we still see phone junkies who must satisfy their insatiable thirst for texting while stopped at red lights.

In this scenario, some drivers are so consumed that they don’t realize the light has turned green until they hear horns behind them. Other drivers could get caught at another red light — all because the texter was careless.

Lawmakers have proposed outlawing texting at red lights in New York. A texting driver might not be aware of his or her surroundings, and it is dangerous.

Be considerate of the drivers behind you.

George H. Taggart, Hicksville

Reconsider how we use water in suburbia

Vast amounts of water are used on Long Island for growing sod, watering lawns and golf course turf. Should these be our top priority? Water should be reserved first for drinking and growing food.

When I was a relief and development worker for Catholic Relief Services in southern India in the 1970s, water from the municipal supply in Madras (now Tamil Nadu) was rationed.

I recall droughts some years ago when New York City restaurants stopped automatically placing water on tables. Suburban residents were asked to water lawns at night to reduce losses from evaporation and to water every other day. Many people were concerned about their lawns burning up.

When our water reserves are gone, there will be lower property values. Our elected officials must act on this matter in a timely manner without more studies. Corrective action is needed.

Peter Haarmann, Garden City

Editor’s note: The writer grows hazelnuts in Aquebogue.