If it's illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, why isn't it illegal for truckers to use RTs while driving? What's the difference?

When reaching for an RT on their dashboard, or above their head, their attention is diverted from the road and traffic. Eyes are off the road momentarily, mind is on the conversation they're having - not on the road and traffic.

On June 17 at the intersection of Hewletts Rd/Totara St, I counted two drivers out of eight using hand-held mobiles. If that's an indication of the number of people still using mobiles while driving there's a 25 per cent chance other drivers may not reach their destination safely. That's a scary statistic. Why are people still using hand-held mobiles when they can purchase hands-free kits?

Why is it so important to answer the phone or text message?

Surely it can wait until the driver reaches their destination. Apparently not. How ever did we cope before mobile phones were invented? The mind boggles. Current penalties don't go far enough. Fines are ineffective and don't get paid.

Confiscate their cars for a month. They can still use their precious mobile on public transport. Surely a small price to pay if it saves lives.

Shirley Gussey, Omokoroa.