On April 14, the Sun Journal ran an article on LD 1912 — a bill aimed at creating stronger deterrents for teenage drivers who break the law.
Lawmakers were concerned that the measure was rushed and that it created penalties that are too strict. Rep. Michael Clark, D-Bath, Rep. Aaron Libby, R-Waterboro, and Rep. Tyler Clark, R-Easton, made comments about the bill.
Libby wondered if the proposal was fair to experienced drivers. Is he implying that experienced drivers can text without being distracted? Clark said, "It's too extreme. In rural Maine, if you lose your license, you can't do anything."
It is very simple to avoid — don't text and you won't lose your license. Isn't that what the bill is for?
As a professional driver plying the roads of Maine five days a week, I find myself taking evasive action almost daily to prevent a collision with another vehicle whose driver is either texting or using a cell phone.
My message to lawmakers is to draft a bill that prohibits the use of cell phones by the operator of a moving motor vehicle. Additionally, attach to that bill penalties that are strong enough to see that drivers obey or are fined heavily and lose their license for at least three months; a second offense, for a year or more, depending on the resulting outcome of them breaking the law (accident, etc.).
Nothing should be more important than a person's life.
Richard Jensen, Minot
Report a correction
Better solution
Require an app like ZoomSafer which uses GPS to disable phones while they are going above 5 mph.
Then, you don't have to punish anyone, no one will lose their license. The phone will just stop working when it motion.
- Permalink
- Is this comment inappropriate?
Kudos AwardedDisagree (2)
Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.Good idea, however
Good idea, however what about passengers in moving vehicles? Your idea would punish everyone not just the driving offenders.
- Permalink
- Is this comment inappropriate?
Kudos AwardedAgree (2)
Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.This is true
This is true, but better safe than sorry. If you make it so people can opt out, drivers will opt out. Everyone agrees that texting a driving is a bad idea, just like everyone agrees that drunk driving is a bad idea. People still do it.
- Permalink
- Is this comment inappropriate?
Kudos AwardedDisagree (2)
Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.Right on Richard
I've been stating this very same thing in this forum for years and will continue to do so every time someone dies and cell phone use while driving is involved. It's a proven fact that that cell phone use while driving is as dangerous as a drunk driver. When will our lawmakers and governor realize this? Perhaps they think they're in that group of "experienced drivers" and banning cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle will cramp their style because they'd have to adhere to their own law.
Turning off my cell phone has become as automatic as fastening my seat belt. It's what I have to do so I can be alert to drivers who aren't paying attention.
Stay safe my friend.
- Permalink
- Is this comment inappropriate?
Kudos AwardedDisagree (1) Agree (2)
Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.