On April 14, the Sun Journal ran an article on LD 1912 — a bill aimed at creating stronger deterrents for teenage drivers who break the law.
Lawmakers were concerned that the measure was rushed and that it created penalties that are too strict. Rep. Michael Clark, D-Bath, Rep. Aaron Libby, R-Waterboro, and Rep. Tyler Clark, R-Easton, made comments about the bill.
Libby wondered if the proposal was fair to experienced drivers. Is he implying that experienced drivers can text without being distracted? Clark said, “It’s too extreme. In rural Maine, if you lose your license, you can’t do anything.”
It is very simple to avoid — don’t text and you won’t lose your license. Isn’t that what the bill is for?
As a professional driver plying the roads of Maine five days a week, I find myself taking evasive action almost daily to prevent a collision with another vehicle whose driver is either texting or using a cell phone.
My message to lawmakers is to draft a bill that prohibits the use of cell phones by the operator of a moving motor vehicle. Additionally, attach to that bill penalties that are strong enough to see that drivers obey or are fined heavily and lose their license for at least three months; a second offense, for a year or more, depending on the resulting outcome of them breaking the law (accident, etc.).
Nothing should be more important than a person’s life.
Richard Jensen, Minot
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