Driving and cell phones don't mix

Recently, I planned a trip to Juneau from Douglas for errands. I drove up Second Street toward Douglas Highway and the bridge.

I was about to turn right on Douglas Highway when I saw a white pickup barreling at high speed. The pickup turned on two wheels as the driver made a precipitous right on to Capitol View Court and raced down the road toward Second Street.

That maneuver almost trashed both of us - perhaps a young person with future possibility, and perhaps an adult with energy and wisdom to share in this community.

The driver was talking on a cell phone, laughing and had (maybe) one hand on the steering wheel. I was petrified, and then furious, and then very sad. It all happened too fast to get a license plate number.

I support cell phone use. I even support cell phone use in cars by drivers if the cars are not moving. I strongly encourage the community to look at this potential carnage of people and property. A "Zero Tolerance" policy for cell phone use by drivers in moving vehicles seems a reasonable approach. To do otherwise invites tragedy and community irresponsibility.

I wonder if that young man was as petrified as I was - and did he care about his future or the future of anyone else?

Carolyn Brown

Douglas