The proposal to increase fines for distracted driving in Maine is long overdue. The existing fine structure is a slap on the wrist for those who ignore the law and are caught. Distracted driving is as dangerous as driving under the influence. Penalize it equally.

Nick Murray of the Maine Policy Institute believes that the proposal and the suggested increases of fines (from $50 to $500 for a first offense, $250 to $1,000 for a second offense and revocation of someone’s driver’s license for subsequent offenses) is too extreme and could cause harm to “someone who can barely afford to get to work and back.” That person can easily avoid this predicament by simply obeying the law. Should Mr. Murray’s rationale apply to the enforcement of other laws with financial penalties?

Mr. Murray also believes the proposal would “give police greater license to accost Maine people on the roads.” Increasing the fine structure doesn’t change the extent of the law nor provide police any greater license to enforce the law. Based upon my observation of the number of drivers disregarding this law, it is too easy for them to avoid getting caught and too difficult for police to catch them in the act. Increasing the fine for violating the law will probably not deter those who choose to ignore it.

Passage of this proposal to increase fines may help avoid the many accidents that kill and injure innocent drivers. It deserves passage.

Frederick Conti
Falmouth

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