Sir, - A study in the New England Journal of Medicine states that the risks of a motor collision is quadrupled when a mobile phone is used while driving (Irish Times, April 18th). Ms Cait Keane of the Progressive Democrats says that the use of a mobile phone while driving is "a recipe for accident and death" (Irish Times, March 6th). On two occasions I have been almost rammed by car drivers who were obviously concentrating more on the phone conversations than on their driving.
With an alarming death rate on our roads, and in fairness to those who make an honest attempt to drive safely, it is incumbent upon any government to ban the use of mobile phones while a driver is in charge of a moving vehicle.
If our politicians fail to come to come to grips with the problem, then surely motor insurers can contribute towards curbing this dangerous practice.
It is basic to all insurance that an increase in risk means an increase in premium. There are many things which will quickly result in an increase in premium - for example, if my car is stolen and it is shown that the car alarm was not activated, then my policy is null and void. For as long as politicians continue to ignore this problem, then on an actuarial basis those drivers who increase the risk for the rest of us must be made to pay for the privilege through their motor insurance. - Yours, etc.,
Douglas McCowen
Templeville Road, Dublin 6W