Editorial roundup

Dec. 1 Cullman (Ala.) Times Distracted driving

A safe, courteous driver used to be defined as a motorist who obeyed speed limits, watched for pedestrians and avoided drinking alcohol behind the wheel.

Times have changed. Those definitions still apply for good driving, but putting away cellphones carries the same value (as) the other sensible courtesies.

Too many drivers are clicking, clacking and yakking their way down the highways and byways from what seems to be digital addiction. The problem is particularly acute among younger drivers who grow up with cellphones and other digital devices in their hands. … However, to be clear, there are plenty of adults who are also using their cellphones while driving, and this should stop, too. … According to Drive Safe Alabama, distracted driving is defined as any of the following: Texting, using a cellphone or smartphone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading, including maps, using a navigation system, watching a video, adjusting a radio, CD player or MP3 player. And anyone texting and driving is 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident.

A quarter of all teen drivers are also likely to respond to a text while operating a vehicle. The results are often tragic.

Law enforcement officials suspect that more accidents than can be documented are related to cellphone use.

Many motorists who still maintain safe habits have witnessed countless vehicles darting through traffic signals and stop signs as well as parking lots while the drivers are staring down or holding a phone in front of their face talking.

The need to teach drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and pay attention has long been a problem, but the added distraction of texting is frustrating and dangerous …