Cell phones top ‘police officers’ wish list
Tupelo Police Maj. Jackie Clayton, Oxford Police Chief Mike Martin and Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson all want legislators to pass stricter laws dealing with people using cell phones while driving, which they say would save lives.
“I’d really like to see some laws that clamp down on people using cell phones while driving,” said Martin. “It is dangerous and can and does cost people their lives, especially the texting. If you are gifted enough to text without looking at the phone, no way you can read it without looking down.”
Clayton agrees. “Cell phones are really a problem for drivers and other people on the roads,” said Clayton.
“I don’t know if we’ll get them, but we really need stricter laws on cell phone usage while driving.”
State Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, said phones will be a topic of the legislators this session.
“This is an ongoing issue nationwide,” said Holland. “I think it will be an issue of importance during the 2009 session. A lot of people feel very strongly about this and there is no doubt that cell phone usage while driving causes death.”
NE MS Daily Journal
1/5/9
Magnolia Tribune
