I’m encouraged by the recent educational campaign regarding car phone use and hope users take note. This issue is not just about having two hands on the wheel; this is about drivers taking the responsibility that the bulk of their attention is required for the operation of their vehicles and not to the person on the other end of the “line.”

If cell phone-using drivers want to avoid government intervention of cell phone use, perhaps they can acknowledge that car phone hazards are real and recognize the priorities in the operation of their vehicles. If one cell phone-using driver would say to his or her caller, “Hold on, I’m going through an intersection,” then we might be on our way to solving the problem without legislative enacted penalties.

If car cell phone use becomes illegal or restricted, it’s not the fault of those who brought the issue to light. The fault lies squarely with the distracted, and sometime irresponsible actions, of cell phone- using drivers themselves. If one does not want their rights taken away, then a change of behavior for the good of all is necessary.

Philip A. Prince

Belfast