To the editor:

While observing a woman reading a newspaper at 11:10 a.m. Monday as she was driving her Passat west on 23rd Street, I was motivated to send an annual letter of comment on driving in Lawrence. More than once I have narrowly avoided being hit by a motorist otherwise distracted, usually engaged in conversation on his/her cell phone.

Suggestion to the City Commission: Enact an ordinance making it illegal for a driver to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle in the city (emergency personnel excluded).

There’s more. Turn signals. Being in a turning lane does not excuse a driver from using turn signals. They should be activated 100 feet or a reasonable period of time before making a turn. And when turning — either left or right — turn into the closest lane rather than swinging into the outside lane.

It’s the law.

Hand signals. Today I was behind three different drivers with their left arm hanging out the window. I know it’s pleasant to have one’s hand caressed by a breeze, but it is actually making a signal: Arm down signals stopping; arm up signals right turn; arm straight out signals left turn.

Lastly, tailgating. No matter what speed you’re traveling, keep a three-second interval between you and the car ahead. And when you pull around after passing another vehicle, be sure you can see the radiator of that car in your rearview mirror.

I’ll probably get some flack for this letter, but thanks for letting me get this out of my system.

Bob Lewis,

Lawrence