The dangers of driving while distracted are apparent not only to police officers, but every driver who has had to yield to someone who just wasn’t paying attention.
That highway traveler next to you who seems out of touch with traffic conditions ”“ it’s likely he’s talking on the phone. Other potential distractions include food and drink, iPods and the radio; even a GPS unit can steer a motorist into trouble.
But the activity that is proving to be most incompatible with driving is texting. It’s absurd that anyone would think they have the ability to divide their concentration this way, and yet many share this belief until contradicted by experience.
This is why a proposal to make it unlawful to engage in text messaging while driving deserves public support. Police should be empowered to pull a driver over and put a stop to this behavior.
The proposal, by state Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, is not ground-breaking. Bans on texting while driving have already been passed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Last year Maine lawmakers cracked down on distracted driving by providing for penalties for drivers who cause accidents or commit infractions while distracted ”“ whether by a cell phone or a sandwich. Unfortunately, the law applies only after the fact of an accident or traffic offense.
During hearings this fall, proponents will be asked why another level of enforcement is needed to stop text messaging. We expect they will have ample evidence why such a law is needed.
— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.
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