WE ARE constantly reading about reckless drivers endangering other motorists and pedestrians’ lives by driving whilst using a mobile phone and driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

I believe that cars and lorries can be fitted with detection devices that could design out illegal and dangerous practices.

A detection device, I am sure, could be designed to stop motorists using a mobile phone in so much that when a motorist uses a mobile phone whilst driving, a loud continuous noise could be emitted that would make it impossible to have a conversation.

This would mean that a driver would have to pull over and stop the car and turn off the engine before he or she could use the mobile phone.

Similarly, it must be possible to invent and make a device that would detect the breath of a driver who was over the drink drive limit and make the car unable to be started.

It really needs the Association of Motor Manufacturers and the Association of Motor Insurers to investigate whether these two devices could be brought into service.

If these devices were fitted the savings to insurance companies would be immense and hopefully drivers’ premiums could be reduced.

It would also take the pressure off the emergency services and reduce the costs incurred by the NHS.

Many cars, at the moment, are fitted with detection devices that tell you, for instance, that the seatbelt is not fastened, or warning lights come on for different car failures.

Therefore, surely, it is not beyond the capabilities of technology to design the devices that I have suggested.

PHIL GOODALL

Holywell Close, Canford Heath, Poole

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