Using the phone while driving

Madam, – While the new lower limit for alcohol is largely to be welcomed, it seems the Government has missed the opportunity…

Madam, – While the new lower limit for alcohol is largely to be welcomed, it seems the Government has missed the opportunity to crackdown on a more frequent offence. On a daily basis I see people driving while using a mobile phone, and I am certain many readers would corroborate this. The current consequence is a mere two penalty points; the question is, should it not be more? Studies by the University of Utah show that the use of a mobile phone while driving is as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol. If there is such a similarity between the two offences insofar as they both impair driver ability and affect safety on the road, should we not address the issue and make it a less attractive offence to commit? – Yours, etc,

SIMON TREANOR,

Lower Albert Road,

Sandycove, Co Dublin.