To the Editor:
Betty Ramsey’s article in June 17’s Bulletin, “World is getting faster,” about the disruptive influence of cell phones hit a nerve with me too.
In some instances using them is downright dangerous.
Back in the 1950s in Minnesota I taught my three boys and some of their friends to drive. I made them practice for two years before they could get their license. We had snow, ice, wet grass, gravel and traffic. They had to cope with all of these.
My boys got such high marks on their tests that the police asked me to teach adults. I learned a lot about people’s abilities: most people can only concentrate on one thing at a time.
So, when cell phones became popular I asked the governments of both the United States and New Zealand to try to stop people from using them in the car while driving. I am happy to report that New Zealand has outlawed their use while driving, with a hefty fine and graphic TV ads. However, many of the United States still haven’t figured it out: accidents and more accidents.
When you get in your car, please turn off your phone. You will have a break from all that stress and I will be safer on the roads.
– Peggy Carter