Phone or drive; either or

Phone or drive; either or

I can’t help but wonder how many people will have to be injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents before we pass a law forbidding the use of cell phones while driving. As a motorcycle operator, I know that all my “close calls” with vehicles have involved the vehicle drivers having cell phones up to their ears. How many of us have gotten behind a vehicle at a red light and sat through most of the green light because the driver at the head of the line is tied up talking on their cell phone instead of paying attention to the light?

How many times do we hear of accidents that involve cell phones? I’m sure there are many more accidents that may be as minor as “fender benders” that still involve cell phones. These we don’t necessarily hear about unless people are seriously injured, but any type of injury due to someone talking on the phone is a senseless injury!

It’s time we get a law in effect to protect us on the roads! If we pass a law and the police start pulling people over and giving tickets, it won’t take long before the public understands the importance of watching the road. If the cell phone rings, pull over to take the call. Let’s make the roads safer for all of us by leaving the cell phone off while driving before more lives are lost on the highways.

Lori A. Bianco, Youngstown