Phone bans don’t reduce car crashes
Recently Smyrna enacted an ordinance that would criminalize using a phone while driving. Initially, I thought it was a good idea. There is frequent criticism in letters to the editor and in local radio and TV stories about drivers talking and texting.
This legislation made me “feel good.” This legislation has made others feel good too. It’s been passed in California and other jurisdictions long enough to provide data on the results of this legislation. To my surprise, this legislation does nothing to reduce crashes by drivers using phones. It is difficult and time-consuming for police to prove use of a phone while driving and can lead to profiling drivers.
There are many causes for distracted driving, talking to people in a car, eating, smoking, changing channels on a radio, trying to get a dog to calm down, and on and on.
Because legislation makes you feel good is no reason to pass it. Georgia legislators need to do their homework.
MIKE HOLZKNECHT, ATLANTA
Are reps blinded by lure of Amazon?
Atlanta already has some of the worst traffic in the country and a poor public transportation system. What do our political leaders do to combat these problems? “Leaders plan special session to lure Amazon,” News, Jan. 11, and the 50,000 jobs Amazon is offering for their second headquarters.
Have our legislators considered the effects of all these extra commuters on our already-overtaxed roads? How will Georgia be able to beef up our roads and public transportation if the state gives billions to Amazon in tax incentives? Are our elected representatives so blinded by potential bragging rights that they persuaded Amazon to locate here that they haven’t considered any of these issues?
JONI PELTA, ATLANTA
About the Author
