Mr. Sewell's letter doth protest too much. Why wouldn't he use Mr. Whitcombe's letter as a means to educate his workforce.
Instead, he takes the familiar, convenient path of throwing stones at the messenger. There is a difference between "making a mistake" and ''making a conscious decision to ignore the law." Once an individual chooses to make or take a phone call while driving, they are breaking the law and creating a potentially dangerous situation.
Who cares that they happen to be an ICBC Road Star safe driver. Obviously, they never took any phone calls during the test. Oh, I forgot, there is no test.
It will provide little solace to the parent or loved one of someone hit by an inattentive driver that they can carve a "killed by Road Star safe driver" on the tombstone. Put a message on voicemail that you're driving and will call back once it is safe to do so, or have the caller leave a time that will be convenient to have the call returned. The technology isn't rocket science. As for the headset issue, that is akin to saying we'll only allow second-hand smoke from filter cigarettes in the room.
The RCMP should initiate a 24-hour roadside suspension for drivers caught on their phones or headsets while driving. A few tow truck charges, fines, and having to walk or take a cab might change their driving habits. For the record, I'm a former smoker, who drives three vehicles (car, truck and motorcycle).
I'm also a Road Star safe driver.
I take frequent walks with my dog and SignTek drivers have plenty of company with the "entitlement belief" that the incoming or outgoing call is more important than the life or health of some other driver, passenger, or pedestrian.
As for lack of professionalism and total disregard towards his company and employees, he might consider talking to a priest.
Given their travails, he might find sympathy and understanding in the confessional booth.
Tyler Lindsay
Prince George
