Good example

In February, Columbia Basin Herald Managing Editor Bill Stevenson asked the Washington State Patrol Chief John Baptiste if he was going to prohibit troopers from using cellphones while driving, to set an example.

Not only did he say he was, but he followed through and kept his word.

“The Washington State Patrol has re-written its Regulation Manual to prohibit state troopers from texting while driving, and requiring that they use hands-free devices if they must speak on a cellphone while at the wheel,” stated Sgt. Freddy Williams on Monday.

The state cellphone law does not apply to police. They are exempt from the prohibition of using a cellphone with their hands while driving. It leaves law enforcement writing tickets for something they do. It is a double standard that frustrates people who see an officer driving through in intersection with a cellphone to his ear, blocking his vision.

“When you’re driving, you need to be driving,” Baptiste stated. “Although the law allows us an exemption, I believe we should set a good example for the motoring public … every driver has an obligation to be at their best while behind the wheel.”

Our state patrol chief went a step further. The state patrol is providing hand-free cellphone devices to troopers with agency-issued phones.

Baptiste is taking a great step in reducing the number of accidents or near misses caused by people using cellphones. Our state patrol officers are going to demonstrate their belief that using a cellphone while driving is dangerous, by stopping the practice themselves. They are showing us they take driving safety seriously. They are ending the double standard between civilians and troopers.

The chief kept his word. He says driving while on a cellphone is dangerous, even for professional drivers such as our troopers.

We agree and applaud him for his step toward safer highways.

— Editorial board