Springfield short on common sense

There is an effort to bring transparency and reform to state government. While this is laudable and certainly needed, there is something that is even more necessary in Springfield and that is common sense.

For example, Illinois allows drivers to whiz down the highways while speaking on a cell phone, but has a law that makes it mandatory that drivers use their seat belts. This is completely inane and defies all logic.

If a driver does not engage his seat belt, he might injure or kill himself if involved in an accident. A distracted driver speeding along a highway at 55 or 60 miles an hour while talking on a cell phone could wipe out an entire family.

Driving while talking on a cell phone is certainly more dangerous than a driver not using his seat belt; but yet the state allows the more dangerous practice while issuing citations to drivers who do not use their seat belts.

This not only does not make sense - it is just plain goofy. That is why common sense is the number one need in Springfield.

Victor Darst

West Dundee