Greater penalties needed for distracted drivers

Treat such infractions similar to impaired driving

Since distracted driving is deemed as dangerous as impaired driving, it is commendable that police are stepping up efforts to nab people who are using hand-held communication devices while driving.

Unfortunately, these efforts are proving to be in vain, because the punishment does not fit the crime. After all, the police do not issue $167 tickets to impaired drivers then send them driving off on their merry way.

Accordingly, the penalty for drivers caught talking on a cellphone or texting should be a choice of either having their communication device seized or their driver’s license suspended for 24 hours. I am certain that the prevalence of drivers ignoring the law would then diminish considerably.

Darryl Green

Saanich

Victoria News