Each week we select a news story, editorial, Letter to the Editor or column that's generated a lot of feedback at PostBulletin.com and reprint some of those comments on this page. This week's topic is a story in Wednesday's edition about Thursday's daylong "educational" enforcement effort focused on Minnesota's ban on texting while driving. Local and state law enforcement agencies teamed up to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.
Below are some of the comments we received.
"I am concerned that the police will not police themselves. Police are on the mobile phone, looking at their computer, driving and trying to look out for what is going on. They should be the first to say WE will not use cell phones unless stopped and parked. What is good for the goose is definitely appropriate for the gander."
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"OK, one part confuses me. 'It is also illegal for drivers younger than 18 and those with learning permits or provisional licenses to use a cell phone at any time.' Does that mean that if my daughter is sitting in the parking lot of HyVee with the car turned off while I'm inside picking up milk, it is illegal for her to text me to say we are out of eggs?"
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"I'm surprised to know I can't text at a red light. That's usually when I quick grab my phone and reply to someone. Will probably continue to do so, because I can watch the light and text at the same time. I AM that talented."
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"No, you are not that talented. It's people like you who hold up traffic at a green light and then barrel through the intersection as the light is turning red because you haven't been attentive to your driving. NO ONE is so important that they have to text or talk on the phone and drive."
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"I was next to a cop at a stoplight right near the courthouse, and she was texting or playing on her phone. After she put that down, she got on her computer sitting next to her. The light had turned green and people were backed up behind her as she was not paying attention."
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"It's about time this issue starts getting some attention. Distracted driving has got to be just as dangerous, if not, more dangerous than drunk driving. It's nice to see some awareness out there for distracted driving. One lady almost hit me head-on pulling into Wal-Mart North. She was on her phone and was turning in the wrong lane.
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"This is a LAW, people! What don't you understand about that? Is your text message really that important? I seriously doubt it. And if so, then simply pull off of the road and give your text your full attention! I can't believe people are even complaining about this. You do not have to text and drive to get from one place to another, the text messages can wait!"
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"Come on... how many cops crash due to distracted driving? Way less than the general public when comparing hours driven and miles on the road."
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"Other than the president or defense secretary, who is that important that they have to be on the phone while driving? It reinforces immediate gratification and encourages an inflated sense of self; neither of which is healthy. Just drive from point A to point B without endangering yourself or others."
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"Lighten up, folks — there's nothing wrong with popping off a text message while sitting at a red light and your foot is on the brake. I've spent more time with my eyes off the road messing with my XM player than using my phone. Have you ever tried to program a Garmin while driving? Difficult to say the least. Not to mention checking out that nice little number with the tight skirt walking down the sidewalk, lord knows every man has done that a billion times. How about that cheeseburger and fries while zipping down Broadway. Yep, everybody does it, everybody will continue to. But if this keeps the busy bodies busy instead of outlawing Twinkies, fine with me."
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"Sounds like it's time to dig the blue tooth out of the drawer and charge it up."
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"There's nothing worse than driving along and seeing someone staring at their lap."
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"I don't text and drive. My parent was almost killed in a wreck where a drunk person who was texting and driving, so I'm well aware that it can kill people. But while at a red light, I can text and hold my foot on the brake at the same time. I'm NOT the person holding up traffic as I want to get moving, I don't want to sit there for a century. I can certainly keep my eyes on the light while texting. I don't have to look at my phone to text and certainly don't need both hands on the wheel while at a light."
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"I remember when I was a kid, seeing a billboard showing a lady putting on makeup and the view out her drivers side window was a train heading right for her. As long as there are cars, we will have distracted drivers."
