In this weeks edition:

Another pet peeve...
After last week’s column, I feel compelled to get another pet peeve off my chest. Drivers and cell phones. How often have you been crusing down the road, at the normal rate of speed, only to have the vehicle in front of you slow to a snail’s pace. When condidtions permit and you finally pass them, you see that the reason for their in-attention is... they have a cell phone struck in their ear. They obviously are not paying attention to the road, their safety or that of those around them.
I recently read an article about citations being issued during the first 10 months since West Virginia law banned driving while texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone. According to that report, 125 offenders had been convicted since the law was enacted. That law, which took effect on July 1, 2012, makes texting a primary offense. That means, law enforcement officers can now stop drivers anytime they see the offense being committed. Those convicted face fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second violation and $300 for subsequent offenses. Motorists can also get up to three points placed on their driving record for a third violation. These fines don’t include court costs, which the last time I checked, was an additional $180. I have seldom received a phone call that was worth $480, have you? Most calls can wait till you get where you are going or until you exit the highway and can give the caller your full attention, without endangering others. Of course motorists are still allowed to use cell phones to report accident or other emergencies.
On July 1 of this year the mere usage of a cell phone by the driver, without a hands free devise will become a primary offense; meaning that law enforcement officers can issue citations upon nothing more than observing the crime.
I also recently read that cell phone usage has now become the number 1 contributing cause of teenage accidents. That is a very sad statistic, given the fact that it is totally avoidable. Drivers of all ages seem to be able to justify the use of cell phones while driving, myself included. But this is a good law although it may be inconvenient in this fast paced, instant communication world we live in. However I will be making provisions to change my driving habits. I have realized that these devices do impair my reflexes and powers of observation. I certainly am not the only one… As I see it, anyone to wants to argue otherwise, is simply wrong.
It would be extremely dangerous to run a red light at a busy intersection. Most conscientious drivers wouldn’t think of doing it because of the impending danger. So, why do we talk or text on the phone while we drive? I agree talking isn’t as distractive as texting, but now that both are against the law, we should correct driving habits to not include our trusty cell phones.
They have an app for everything… I need one that works like the “airport mode”… when I place my phone on “driving mode” it tells those who call that I am driving so leave a message or call back later. Yes, it may be a little more inconvenient than taking the call but its undoubtedly a lot safer. It is just something that I will have to get used to… living with.

Will return soon...


lolabgiven@mediacombb.net