There are more than a few people who are balking at the idea of a dedicated line for us to inform Cornwall police of someone who is driving distracted. It's a snitch line. I think the term is unfortunate and unfair. The line is there so that we, the citizens of Cornwall and area, can help those who may not realize that their behavior behind the wheel of 2000 pounds of steel and glass is now considered unacceptable.

The statistics on accidents and deaths due to distracted driving is alarming and getting worse every year. Our local police force is only capable of doing so much and I believe that it is our obligation to help. Imagine you are at the corner of Water Street and Sydney Street leaving the mall and someone runs a red light while talking on their phone nearly cutting you off as you try and turn at the light. You stop in time and swear at the guy, perhaps shake you fist and absolutely say out loud "Crazy Cornwall driver! You’re going to kill someone talking on 'yer phone like that!" Now what if tomorrow that same guy is talking on his phone, runs a red light and hits a mother and son as they try and cross the street. Shaking your fist and swearing could never prevent that accident. But if Cornwall police are able to track down the person because you called "The Snitch Line", That guy's driving behavior may be corrected before that little boy and his mom try and cross the street the next day. You may have saved a life (or two).

We're all guilty of driving distracted at one time or another, but as a parent and a husband, I am always conscience of the other lives that are affected by my actions, especially behind the wheel. Maybe it's time more of us are conscience of the lives that could be affected by answering that text while driving.

If you need to report a distracted driver, Cornwall Police ask that you try to have a license plate number, date and the time of the incident. The number to call to save lives is 613-932-2110 ext 2706.

Feel free to leave a comment here or e-mail me anytime at bill@cjssfm.com