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Let's all drive like Rob Ford Seems Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has created a bit of a kerfuffle this past week. He was seen driving his minivan Friday night, while talking on his cell phone. And that's illegal. When another driver, Ottilie Mason, pulled alongside him to challenge him and gave him a thumbs down for talking while driving, he allegedly responded with his own hand gesture to her. Consequently Facebook, Twitter and all the Toronto-based media went into overdrive, with posts online and press releases from the mayor's office, trying to put out the fire before it became out of hand. Personally, I don't care about Ford flippin' the bird (if he did). All that does is confirm his already less-than-polished image, not create a dangerous situation. But I do take a grim view of him talking on his cell phone while driving. He's in the public eye, and should be setting an example-- not openly disobeying the law. I have major problems with all drivers talking on cell phones while driving-- even more so those texting while behind the wheel. The fine, a paltry $155, doesn't seem like much of a deterrent. And if you're caught and charged, there's not even any demerit points taken off. So complete disregard for the law seems to be the norm. A couple weeks ago, I was driving east on Guelph Street. Ahead of me, in a compact car, was a young lady talking on her cell phone. I knew she was talking before I got close enough to see-- her car was weaving over the line into the next lane, and back again. I tell ya, she was a million miles away. Yup, she was so far away that she didn't even see the red light at the intersection at Guelph Stree and Windsor Road. She sailed right through that red light, oblivious to the fact that two drivers entering the intersection had to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting her. She stopped at the Mountainview Road and Guelph Street traffic lights, a couple cars ahead of me waiting for the lights to change. Like countless others, that kid's an accident waiting to happen. These days, there's no excuse for using the cell phone while driving. There are a Don't miss 7-night all-inclusive escapes starting at $899* p.p. 7 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, July 28, 2011 SAVINGS THAT WILL WOW YOU Ted Brown multitude of Bluetooth accessories at all the automotive outlets, converting your cell phone into a legal hands-free unit. There's Bluetooth units that attach to the sun visor, others that plug into the accessory outlet, or even ones that are incorporated into the rear view mirror. And many GPS units have the capability for Bluetooth connection as well. At the bottom of the heap, you can still purchase a cheap little Bluetooth headset that sticks in you ear-- the most annoying accessory I've ever used. Personally, I use a GPS unit with Bluetooth incorporated when I'm on the road for a long drive. I turn it on, and can talk hands-free if someone calls. If I'm not using my GPS, I'll try to pull over when the phone rings. If not, resort to the most obvious plan-- let the caller leave a message. You know, easy as it is to make talking while driving safe and convenient, I still see all sorts of drivers on the phone. And the deterrent? That $155 paltry fine and no points. If your insurance company finds out-- that's `if' it finds out-- then it's simply the loss of the conviction-free discount, about 10 per cent (with my insurance company.) I suggest we make the fine $500, and deal out six points, like a careless driving charge. Once demerit points enter into the picture, the impact would also be felt in the insurance premiums, just like a careless charge, or impaired driving. I'm sure, if one person from a group of friends gets leveled with a charge like that, the ripple effect would kick in. The rest of his/her friends would suddenly take a very serious look at using that cell phone while driving. And that's a good thing. Save now on family and couple escapes to these magnificent destinations with the Club Med WOW Sale. Hurry and book offer expires Aug 29, 2011. Premium rooms are filling up fast. Available at the following resort Destinations: Ixtapa Pacific, Cancún Yucatán, Punta Cana, Columbus Isle, Sandpiper Bay, Turkoise, Buccaneer's Creek, & Caravelle Georgetown Sample price is per person, based on double occupancy in a minimum category room for a 7-night stay at Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, between August 27 and November 12, 2011.This offer is valid for a minimum stay of 3 nights. Offer available at select resorts, and does not include airfare or transfers. 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