George Chapman’s opinion column in the March 6 edition of The Tribune is a collection of illogical conclusions and rationalizations that seem to ignore the importance of safety as a basic priority when driving. Many states and the federal government have outlawed the use of hand-held communications devices for obvious safety reasons. A well-publicized recent study conducted by the University of Utah found that distracted driving is comparable to driving while legally intoxicated from a safety standpoint. The Legislature’s failure to act has been unfortunate and has had the effect of encouraging distracted driving. It is time to act and start the trend in changing acceptable behavior. The use of cellphones may make us more productive, but there is time to talk and text when not driving.
Parents who are distracted by their children while driving are endangering their children and other people, and should be practicing appropriate discipline. Law enforcement, ticketing practices and other public policies should be consistent and prioritized for safety on the highways. Inconsistent enforcement is not a reason for unsafe or irresponsible behavior. We should be encouraging the passage and enforcement of laws that prohibit dangerous and irresponsible behavior on our public roads.
Richard Sandberg, Ivins