Cure the ailment of cell-phone-talking drivers

 

The article "Cell Phone Ban While Driving Is Controversial" (Jan. 19) goes far to highlight the serious dangers of this irresponsible practice. The point made by Vernon Betkey Jr., chairman of the Governors Highway Safety Association, is that our minds cannot focus on two issues simultaneously; it doesn't matter if we are holding a cell phone or listening through an ear set.

If the proposal to prohibit the use of cell phones while driving can be characterized as governmental interference, it's a reasonable and necessary interference just as traffic lights, stop signs and no-passing zones are.

I'm bitterly disappointed by the space given to KDKA radio talk show host Mike Pintek's opinion; his reasoning, while often expressed, is shallow and badly flawed. He has never understood that any distraction such as eating, changing radio stations or brushing one's hair is dangerous, yet what can be improved (as with this proposed legislation) should be improved. Even though your physician cannot cure all ailments, he or she is expected to cure what can be cured.

The prudent and appropriate restriction of public freedom in one area almost always results in increased freedom in other ways.

THOMAS J. BURNS
New Castle