Tough law needed for texting while driving

Does text messaging rival or surpass driving while intoxicated? Many say it rivals. My view is that if texting while driving is ignored, it will surpass the DWI. Studies have shown that texting greatly diminishes awareness when driving.

At present, there is a law that prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving. This law, like so many others, does not have any teeth and is seldom enforced.

Let's say there is a prohibition on texting while driving. How will such a law be enforced? It cannot be analyzed through a blood or breathing test such as a DWI. Will law enforcement be more vigilant? How do you determine it is texting and not just using the cell phone? In any event, it would be illegal.

Lets hypothesize on punishment for texting while driving. Should it be the same as the use of a cell phone when driving or while driving under the influence?

Some people believe it should be the same as drivingunder the influence, but a little more stringent. Below are some of the ideas that have been entertained:

■ First offense, $500 fine, and six months revocation of your driver's license.

■ Second offense, $1,000 fine and/or one-year suspension of your license.

■ Last, but not least, let's make it a felony to text while driving, and the list goes on.

Cell phone use and text messaging are more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. When you talk on the phone or text, the mind is oblivious to the surroundings. When it comes to DWI or seat belts, law enforcement has tunnel vision. Maybe they should employ the same tactics on texting and cell phone use.

Some counties in New York state already have laws banning texting while driving. However, they do not have any teeth. What is $150 for the first offense? They will be more careful the next time and not get caught.

We have a law for having the lights on when the wipers are in use while it is raining. This law has no teeth as well.

Robert E. O'Brien

Lowville