Daniel Kliethermes
New Bloomfield
Dear Editor:
I read an editorial in Wednesday's paper dated March 17 talking about DWI deaths in America. In my opinion, some of statistics are fabricated to fit the need of certain groups of individuals. They never talk of texting while driving and the deaths and non-fatal accidents that this problem causes. I am one that will not pick up my phone while driving until I am stopped and can talk safely. In my opinion, there are probably as many, if not more, deaths and injuries caused by talking or texting while driving compared to driving while intoxicated. In my opinion, this offense should be considered as careless and imprudent driving and should be considered a major violation with loss of driving privileges for one month and four points taken off your license and a $200 fine for each offense.
The public is so worried about DWI and crashes, maybe they should look at the real picture: DWI is no more than a money racket by politicians and law enforcement to make money for the state and counties where the offense is committed knowing they are not solving the problem. They already know most people convicted of DWI will do it again no matter how many programs you put them in. Then they have to have a lawyer, pay for classes that have to be paid for by the offender, lose their license and jail time, and they know real alcoholics will never change their stripes. In my opinion, law enforcement officers along with state leaders and judges text and drive, knowing they will never be reprimanded. So let us quit dogging DWI so much and pay more attention to idiots texting and talking while driving. I am not saying they shouldn't get them off the road - aka drunk drivers - but let's pass some laws that will somewhat stop a lot of texting and driving so there would be fewer fatalities and non-fatal accidents. Or, is that too much to ask of our state leaders and law enforcement? Maybe those signs on I-70 should read "texting and driving is impaired driving." Or is it they just don't give a damn?