Editor, Black Press

I’ll make it simple — totally ban the use of cell phones, texting, iPods, and any of the other digital addictions people have while driving. I don’t tolerate it quietly when my space in a restaurant or store is violated by people with so little class that they think we all need to listen in on their puerile conversations. So I sure as Hades see no reason to tolerate such boorish behavior just because the person is behind the wheel.

In fact, that’s even more reason to ban such self-inflicted stupidity — what happened to the rule about driving with due care and attention?

It’s a given with me that people have abused these instruments of torture beyond reason. But when people drive yakking away on their cell phones or even texting then they go from being just annoying, self-absorbed cretins, to being dangerous to life and limb. No one has the right to endanger my life or anyone else’s because they’re so addicted to being on the grid that they can’t be bothered to think of the safety of others. These drivers are driving while impaired as surely as if they had been bingeing on booze and that’s a scientifically proven fact. So, treat them like DUIs and void their insurance if they cause an accident.

Sure, it’s always easy to point fingers at young drivers. With their lack of experience and often immature behaviour, they would be a natural target for banning their use of cell phones while driving. But such a ban is too limited, especially as all the studies coming in point to adults of all ages reverting to what psychologists call an “adolescent mentality.” Adults have become as afraid as their kids of being off the grid even long enough to safely drive a vehicle, so you have to wonder what hope is there.

It’s going to take a lot of effort to make these addicts grow up. It shouldn’t even be necessary to pass a law banning the use of cell phones, etc. while driving. But, like Pavlov’s dogs, as soon as the cell phone rings it must be answered. I doubt even all the educational ads on TV or in school will make much difference in people’s selfishness. Cell phones are really just a symbol of so much of what is wrong in society which has degenerated into the “me, me, me, it’s all about me” mentality.

In Britain recently an English lord was given a 12-month sentence for texting while driving. The laws there reflect a real understanding of the seriousness of the epidemic of such stupid behaviour. We need that same level of commitment to enforcement from government even if that looks too much like Big Brother to some people.

Make the ban enforceable electronically if that’s what it takes. And you parents, tell your kids not to drive while using cell phones and then make sure you do the same.

Robert T. Rock

Mission