Some of our online readers have given the thumbs up to a new campaign aimed at encouraging Barbadians not to text and drive.
The No Thumbing Barbados campaign was launched last week and our readers have already lauded the initiative which will begin in earnest early next year.
Some of THE NATION’S Facebook readers have thrown their support behind the move, while underscoring the dangers of texting and driving.
This is what some had to say on the issue:
C. Malcolm Grant: “Why are we limiting the restriction to texting? The use of cellphones while driving should be banned. The use of cellphones (not referring to texting) has been associated with a number of road traffic accidents here in Barbados . . . . The scientific evidence strongly supports the absolute restriction of cellphones by road users.
“By only cherry-picking what we restrict means that we continue to expose our children (as drivers, passengers, hands-free users) to the irreversible and possibly deadly consequences of cellphone use, in any form or fashion, by our driving public.”
Kathie Daniel: “No texting or fiddling with your phone while driving . . . . I think we should insist on hands-free devices only. That would eliminate the texting and still allow you to use a cellphone.”
Donna LadyDestinee Caddle: “About time. People need to be mindful of others.”
Conchita Moseley: “This should have been implemented long ago. Only an irresponsible person would text when driving. What could be so important and urgent? And if it was urgent, you pull over, then make your call or send your text. What were we doing before the cellphone?
“No one is saying we are not to take advantage of modern technology – it is the way forward – but we all have to use it in a responsible way. Texting while driving should be illegal and anyone caught texting whilst at the wheel, a heavy fine should be imposed. Endangering the life of yourself and others is just not worth it.”
Lisa Taylor: “It’s a very good initiative. We just need some tough punishment for those who after all that is preached still do the wrong things on the roads.”
Diane Cummins: “Great campaign!”
Robert Holloway: “Certainly, over here in British Columbia, we have laws against cellphone usage in a car except for hand-free devices. Even Oprah has spent the last few years getting people to pledge to not text in a car.”
Louvin Bradshaw: “If we stop texting, we have to look at drink-driving . . . .”
Catherine Lord: “What about the Government passing a law making it illegal to text while driving?”
Dave Payne: “Why 2013? It needs to start now.”
• Carol Martindale is THE NATION’S Online Editor.
