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Thoughts on Cell Phones

I second AAA's support for driver education over legislated handheld mobile phone bans. My car has been rear-ended three times, with two of the accidents causing me serious bodily injuries. None of the at-fault drivers were using a mobile phone, but one driver was conversing with her passengers and another was admonishing a child sitting in the back seat of his SUV. My ex-husband's car was also hit from behind by a woman driver who was scolding her children. Our experiences gel with research showing mobile phone usage by drivers is not a major source of accidents.

On the other hand, several other drivers and I were recently victims of road rage on the Boulder Turnpike. When I tried to call State Patrol, I couldn't get a connection on my phone. However, the offending driver saw that I had my phone up to my ear and apparently surmised I was calling the authorities, for he immediately stopped taunting me and the other drivers, cruising in front of me like an absolute angel until his exit. My cell phone may have helped prevent a nasty accident that day, and I didn't even have to complete the call!
Tammy Parker, via e-mail

City Maps Often Frustrate

In your article, "What Makes a Good Map" [September 2001], you ask if a map helps or frustrates. As a general statement, maps help. City maps usually frustrate, however. When in a strange city, one probably has an idea of where they are at any given moment, assuming that the city has hundred block notations on their street signs and the houses and buildings likewise have displayed their street number address. If city maps would also include the hundred block of each street, as well as map coordinates, their utility could nearly double.
Ken Hartz, Parker

Editor's reply: On most AAA city maps, the block number is printed in red on the map, usually in increments of 800.

Lyons Left Out

As a spokesperson for the Greater Lyons Tourism Group, a division of the Lyons Chamber of Commerce, I was greatly disappointed to realize that Lyons was completely left off your map of "Rocky Mountain High" in the September issue. We are a small town at the crossroads of Hwy. 7 and US 36, right along your route. We have a lot to offer and actively promote tourism. Numerous restaurants, lodging facilities, shops and local activities would be of interest to your readers, as are the many other small towns that were listed on your map. We hope that in the future you will not overlook Lyons.
Diane J. Forsberg, Lyons

Editor's reply: The omission of Lyons on our Mini Tour map was unintentional and we apologize for the error.

Road Construction Updates

I enjoy the Colorado Calendar and other articles. I would like to see a page in The Motorist on statewide construction projects, and suggestions for alternate routes to avoid delays while traveling. You might even include major interstate construction, from across the country.
John Maskie, via e-mail

Editor's reply: Thanks for the suggestion. Due to our two-month lead time, however, publishing up-to-date construction information is not feasible. AAA's Web site, www.aaa.com, contains Colorado road conditions (click on "Automotive"), and AAA travel counselors can advise travelers about major construction projects and alternate routes throughout the country.

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