Hands-free a danger, too

Far too many drivers ignore the Washington law against using hand-held cell phones while driving. Our legislators enacted this law because studies have demonstrated that it causes an impairment of concentration that is equivalent to driving while drunk.

However, the current law permits using hands-free cell phones, which further studies have shown cause just as much impairment as hand-held devices. The impairment is not in the use of the hands, but rather in the diminished mental concentration on driving. Washington legislators should first change this law to include hands-free devices.

Spare me the mental impairment about how to enforce this law. It’s simple. Rather than relying completely on police observation, make the penalties for causing an accident, any accident, much more severe. Since talking or texting while driving is equivalent to driving under the influence, the law should make the penalties the same. That includes jail time, fines and penalties and license suspension for first, second and third offenses.

Check the specifics for yourself. And make it a felony for being a scofflaw. Fear will enforce this law. It’s a matter of life or death. Maybe yours.

Bob Strong

Spokane