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•Th e IF P• H al to n H ill s • Th ur sd ay , M ar ch 2 0, 2 01 4 6 OPINION This week the fine for distracting driv-ing is going to hurt you a lot more in the wallet to reflect the seriousness of a crime that has caused death and heartache across the country. As of today, the Highway Traffic Act fines for driving while texting or talking on a hand- held phone will increase to $280 from $155. The increase reflects society's abhorrence to a crime that is paramount to drinking and driving, yet sadly, you don't have to look far to see the consequences of what many seem as a harmless action. A Georgetown driver who struck and killed an 89-year-old pedestrian in December 2012 was sentenced to 20 days in prison and had her driver's licence suspended for two years last week in Burlington Provincial Offences Court. Jennifer Unsworth, 37, pleaded guilty on Feb. 7 to careless driving and driving with a handheld device. Justice of the Peace Marsha Farnand cited a number of similar cases in coming to her deci- sion. She also took into account Unsworth's conviction in October 2010 for using a hand- held device while driving. "She obviously did not learn her lesson," said Farnand. According to a list compiled by the CAA, drivers engaged in text messaging on a cellular phone are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash event compared with non-distracted drivers. (Virginia Tech Trans- portation Institute, 2010). Using a handheld device while driving is like playing Russian roulette. Put the phone down. The life you save just may be your own. The Independent & Free Press is published Thursday and is one of sev- eral Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copy- right. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The Independent & Free Press is a member of the Ontario Press Council, which is an independent ethical organization established to deal with editorial concerns. For additional information or to file a complaint, contact info@ ontpress.com or call 416- 340-1981. The Independent & Free Press Hang up the cellphone Letters to the editor Dear editor, One day, shortly after the last snowfall, I saw what was just so inconsiderate, unsafe and illegal -- a truck parked across the town side- walk at a nearby residence. Then, I saw a postie having to squeeze between the high snow banks and the vehicle to deliver the mail. There was plenty of room to park on the street. Go figure. I hope our council will start put- ting a bigger bite on those offenders by beefing up the bylaw enforcement department and hiring full-time staff to look after this. Seems on weekends one only gets an answering service. Why is Halton Hills 20 years be- hind the times? Parking and pedes- trian safety should be issues in this election. They need to be addressed and acted on before someone gets seriously injured or killed. Dave Harley, Georgetown The distracted driving fine rises from $155 to $280 effective March 18. Do you think the new amount will be an effective deterrent? No (82%) Yes (18%) WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.theifp.ca) Get tougher on illegal parking Hospital visit was impressive Protect water Dear editor, I'm concerned about the issues that have been experienced in sur- rounding communities with their water systems. After significant housing develop- ments have been established, older parts of the communities started to experience water pressure issues. The 1,000-acre housing project that is part of 'Vision Georgetown' is essential, but at the same time I have to ask if there are steps be- ing taken to insure liability for any disruption to the existing town infrastructure? As well, are there contingencies in place to reimburse residents if things don't go accord- ing to plan? Rob Demille, Georgetown Dear editor, In the very wee hours of Friday morning we had to take our two- year-old daughter to the emergency room in Georgetown. The nurses and doctor could not do enough for us. I was amazed at how compassion- ate they were. They diagnosed and medicated quickly. We were in and out in less than hour. Nurse Kim was sweet and under- standing to both us and my daugh- ter. My daughter had ended up being sick on her coat and they sent us home with a hot blanket to wrap her in, numerous travel bags, wipes, juice and a freezie. I was very impressed with the new renovations as well. Thanks, especially to Nurse Kim. Melissa Krause-Cardillo, Georgetown Letters must include the author's name, address and daytime phone number. Anony- mous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publica- tion is not guaranteed. Email: cgamble@theifp.ca Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 77, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters policy 905-873-0301 Publisher: Dana Robbins General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: Chris Vernon (cvernon@metroland.com) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds/Real Estate Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca or realestate@theifp.ca) Classified Call Centre 1-855-415-8237 haltonhillsclassads@metroland.com Accounting 1-866-773-6575 Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox by signing up for our twice weekly electronic newsletter. Go to www.theifp.ca and click on 'Newsletter sign-up' at the bottom of the homepage.