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Thursday, December 20, 2007

LETTERS to THE EDITOR

By

    The Mountain View Telegraph Opinion page is giving readers the option of voicing views and opinions without the need to give us your full name.
    Gripe, grouse, whine or bellyache about a generic topic by sending your message to speakup@mvtelegraph.com. The same goes if you want to dish out praise or thanks.
    Either way, you have to "Speak Up" in about 50 words or less. Don't identify anyone you criticize, with the exception of public figures. Keep it clean. No cursing, please. We don't need your name, just initials. And it's cheaper than therapy.
    I-40 Article Was
    Right on Target
    BOB CUMMING is "right on" in addressing the root problems for safety along I-40 in the Tijeras Canyon in his "Guest View" article in the Nov. 7 issue of the Mountain View Telegraph.
    PHYLLIS B. CHISHOLM
    Tijeras
    More Driver's Ed
    Needed in N.M.
    HOW IRONIC to see the headlines in the Nov. 15 MVT describing multiple freeway accidents, including an editorial regarding mechanical deterrents to entering a freeway via an exit ramp, this barely a week after I described fundamental reasons such incidents occur in the first place.
    Although the spike theory has in my opinion great merit and should, as you recommended, continue to undergo testing, the fundamental problem facing the public is that New Mexico does not have higher driver education standards and does not demand more theoretical and practical knowledge and experience before drivers are licensed.
    Underlying this is the fact that far too many violators are simply slapped on the wrist by lenient courts, even in cases involving vehicular homicides and multiple DUI offenses. Add to this the fact that public streets often are the scene of racing, excessive speed, reckless driving, etc., it soon becomes apparent that not enough is being done before licenses are issued to have a positive influence on how motorists operate their vehicles.
    We can add all the spikes and install all the pre-ignition breathalyzers, or impose increasingly stiffer fines and penalties believed necessary to reduce the mayhem that presently characterizes our streets and highways. But these will not alter appreciably the mind-set of drivers who have not been exposed to safer, more stringent motor vehicle operating standards.
    Assuming this theory is best, at least one new generation will likely pass before improvements emerge and can be measured. Among those now licensed, the percentage who accounts for the most infractions, or who poses the greatest safety threat, are likely those who exert the greatest negative influence over our pre-licensed young people. If a 12-year-old witnesses mom or dad repeatedly engaging in bad or dangerous driving habits, the driver's ed teacher who gets this kid in high school will have an enormous burden to counteract the child's pre-conceived notion of what constitutes a good driver. After all, parents are those from whom a youngster first seeks the best or most believable advice.
    Although mechanical means have merit, these alone will not result in fewer accidents or fatalities on our highways. A comprehensive approach nationwide should be developed that incorporates higher driver education standards complemented by mechanical technology and stronger courts that removes loopholes through which attorneys funnel repeat offenders.
    BOB CUMMING
    Cedar Crest
    Volunteer Fire Dept.
    Was a Big Help
    A BIG THANK YOU to the La Madera Volunteer Fire Department.
    First for the quick response to a 911 call when Frances had to be taken to emergency. Second, on Nov. 19, for the members of the La Madera Volunteer Fire Department performing their rangeland training by clearing the very tall weeds from around our house and trimming back some trees. Thanks to Josh and David Gonzales for hauling the weeds away.
    Due to health reasons, I had not been able to take care of the outside of the house this year. Thanks to Bob Taylor for documenting this activity with photos.
    Again, thanks to Fire Chief Joe Gober and the members that volunteer their time for community service.
    BILLY and FRANCES MITCHELL
    La Madera