You’ve seen ‘em before. We certainly have. And we’ve spoken out before in complete support of harsher penalties for people who illegally use their cell phones while driving. Finally, someone seems to have listened and done something about it. New York state has now attached a 2-point penalty on one’s driving record, in addition to their existing $100 fine, for talking on a cell phone while driving. While we applaud this move – especially considering studies show cell phone use while driving causes about 20% – 28% of all car crashes according to various studies – we feel things need to go further.
Just speaking on personal experience alone, I’ve been run off the road twice by distracted drivers. Been cut off a countless number of times by the same type of idiots who couldn’t bother to turn their heads to see if anyone was in their blind spot. And stuck in traffic caused by those who couldn’t be bothered. It’s time to up the ante.
We need SIGNIFICANT fines imposed on these inconsiderate and reckless drivers. $20 fine? $50 fine? $100 fine? No. We need to increase that fine to $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second and $2,500 for the third. We need to impose a mandatory suspension of driving priviledges upon the 3rd violation within a 2-year period.
Some may call these penalties draconian, but if you aren’t violating the law, there’s nothing to be worried about. Correct?
