The concern about cellphones and driving seems to me to be contrary to calm analysis of the evidence ("Make it the law to 'hang up and drive,'" Dec. 18).

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, the traffic death rate per 100 million vehicle miles has decreased from 2.1 to 1.1 between 1990 and 2009.

Meanwhile, in the language of the times, cellphone usage has gone from "zip" to "whatever!" Safety hawks should probably be more concerned with increased use of satellite radio.

I find I sometimes have to drive with my knees, since I need both hands free when listening to Donna Summer, the Bee Gees and the Village People on the '70s channel.

T.J. SAWYER, BLOOMINGTON

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Just as there is no reasonable basis for doubting the finding that cellphone use is a dangerous distraction while driving, there is equal assurance that drivers will continue to use them. It is equally clear that no legislator will offend voters with a ban.

It would seem reasonable to pass legislation that would increase fines and punishment for drivers if they are found to be using cellphones during another punishable activity. Because cellphone and texting use is automatically recorded, the evidence is readily available.

The range of penalty could be tripling fines and automatic additional jail time where injury or death is involved. It would then be up to the driver (who can choose whether or not to use a cellphone) to risk an additional penalty if ticketed or arrested for another offense.

It would be a nonintrusive yet meaningful shift of responsibility to individual drivers.

MARK A. LITMAN, EDINA