Editor,

Could the city, county, state police officers and newspapers be doing more to curtail the use of cell phones while driving?

As a casual observer, it seems the number of people in cars/trucks with cell phones to their ears and/or busily looking down, presumably texting, is becoming more rampant and is easily spotted in towns and on the highway.

State law allows a $124 penalty for a first-time offense and, given the numbers, it seems this could add up to a significant amount of money for these jurisdictions. The Whidbey Island newspapers could investigate the ongoing statistics for this infraction and promote safer driving. As an additional deterrent, is it possible for insurance companies to begin to make insurance null and void if the driver is found to be on a hand-held cell phone at the time of an accident?

Police officers have many important and demanding functions. It seems, however, greater enforcement of this law could be done at almost any/all times without compromising other legitimate duties. Not only would this bring in significant monies, but most importantly it would likely save many lives.

AL LUNEMANN

Coupeville