POLICE DRIVERS' CELLPHONE USE, NOT THEIR MARIJUANA USE

Re: Officials consider actions against stoned drivers, July 25.

After reading this article, I began to wonder about the relative risk posed
by driving under the influence of marijuana in comparison to distracted
drivers on cellphones.

I don't know a single person who has not been cut off, had a close call, or
been in an accident caused by someone talking on a cellphone while driving.

The Canada Safety Council wants Canadians suspected of driving under the
influence of marijuana to be temporarily stripped of their licences, the
article says.

I recall studies from Great Britain that showed drivers under the influence
of marijuana were actually more careful and more focused on the task at
hand, driving.

On the Canada Safety Council's Web site, under a section entitled "Do we
need laws against cellphones?",
http://www.safety-council.org/info/traffic/cell-laws.html , the question is
asked: "Do cellphones cause collisions?" And instead of a resounding
"yes," we read: "The inappropriate use of cellphones by drivers is part
of a serious traffic safety problem -- distractions can be dangerous
behind the wheel." There is all kinds of wishy-washy talk about flawed
studies and "a new CSC program will help drivers understand their
capabilities and limitations behind the wheel..."

I think the dangers posed by drivers on cellphones far exceed the danger
from drivers under the influence of marijuana. The "information" and
activities pursued by the CSC and governments should reflect this. It is
obvious that the use of cellphones by drivers should be banned.

How many countries have already figured this out? And how many more people
need to be run over before we do?

Mike Boulet,

Ottawa