YOUR COMMENTS

My husband had an accident on his motorcycle last year because a person was on their cell phone and did not see him. I agree to ban cell phone use while driving.
- Phoenix, Temple, NH

Bob, Bedford

How is using a cell phone while driving in any way comparable to a motorcyclist who decides to wear a helmet? A motorcyclist not wearing a helmet can only cause harm to his own head...a driver using a cell phone can cause harm to many other people. You're comment makes no sense.

And Ryan...reading and typing on your wicked cool IPhone..congrats.

If people would re-read the article, the motorcyclist didn't say he was driving in the breakdown lane...he said that while trying to get off the ramp and essentially get out of the way, he had planned on getting in the breakdown lane. At what point does his account say he was going to travel down the breakdown lane to his destination?

For the love of god I've never seen so much blaming in my life!

When you are getting on and off ramps, many times you get stuck in the breakdown lane trying to merge or whatever. It is what it is.

And people talking as if this girl was verbally assaulted because someone said "You're dragging him!" and "Don't you go anywhere!" after you just sideswiped another driver? You have got to be kidding me.

There are already laws in action that ban negligent driving. Cell phones aren't necessarily always the problem because many of the drivers involved in these accidents aren't good drivers without the cell phone~!

Oh and I don't appreciate the "highly educated percentages" of women who are probably driving on their cell phones.

Last I checked men use cell phones too and your ignorance is blatently obvious as you try to make others look bad because the story happens to revolve around a female teen driver.
- Ann, Derry

That is the worst on and off ramp I've seen. The State really needs to redo that area. It is a hazard. Especially during AM or PM traffic. It's crazy.
- Shirley, Manchester, NH

I feel your pain. Had a guy two weeks ago on my way to work t-bone me on my motorcycle. The guy stayed in the car on his cell phone. I think it should be a national law that while you are driving you can't be on a cell phone.
- Jeff Palmer, Ridgeland, SC

Put her in jail !
Crossing two lanes,hitting a motorcycle,draging the driver and leaving the seen of an accident ? how reckles can you be or should I say SELFISH.
Two years ago I was hit by someone who did not pay attention and got a lot of black and blues out of it.
People have accidents but some times the attiude is, I done care about you get out of my way or Il run you over.
- Rob, Manchester NH

Just out of curiosity...where are these yellow yield signs that you are seeing located Jeff? Because they are certainly red when getting onto a highway. They made it the standard color for yield signs begining in the 70's I believe.

Maybe you are thinking of the yellow signs at cross walks, unless I have all the sudden become color blind I assure you they are red and white when merging on a highway. What world are you living in sir?
- Frank, Manchester

"but when trying to get onto a highway there is a red triangular sign that says yeild. Yes, that means you the person attempting to merge onto the highway. ..... Can someone explain to me what has happened?
- Frank, Manchester"

Back in 1842 they may have had red signs, in todays world they are yellow.

I take that road every week day, trying to get from 3A on to 101 is impossible because of all the ME FIRST jerks that think because they have a perceived "right of way" they can plow past you forcing you in to the breakdown lane or on to 93 South.

Guess what jerks, I now plow my way on to 101!! If that forces you to slam in to someone in the left lane.... so be it !!!!!
- Jeff, Bedford

First - I hope Mr. Heywood is feeling better and healing fast. Second - we just had a law passed here in VA that prohibits talking on a cell while driving....but you have to be pulled over for something else like speeding in order to be written up for yacking on a phone, and then it's only a $20 fee. If you folks do manage to get such a bill passed in NH, I hope yours has a lot more bite, 'cause the sorry one we have isn't making any difference.
- Colleen, Roanoke, VA

People seem to forget a lot of things when they drive. Specifically, you are supposed to drive with full attention at all times and not be distracted by the many things people are today.
But not just that... but when trying to get onto a highway there is a red triangular sign that says yeild. Yes, that means you the person attempting to merge onto the highway. Not the people that have the right of way already on the highways.
It drives me absolutley insane driving to and from work on 93 everyday. And beyond that when you merge why is it that no one can do everyother car anymore? I was taught this in drivers ed, along with full attention, use of directionals, and the whole yeild thing. Can someone explain to me what has happened?
- Frank, Manchester

First of all , I wish a speedy recovery to Mr. Heywood. I have been driving motorcycles for 27 years and have had a similar experiences as this. In that particular case, there wasn't a cell phone in use (they weren't around back then !)but the other vehicle driver's distraction in looking for directions.
Cell phones have served to be yet another tool for distraction while driving. As a motorcycle driver, I am constantly scanning the area around me and looking ahead of me trying to identify any possible situations to avoid. Unfortunately when a driver is engrossed in a conversation on a cell phone, regardless of age, their attention is distracted and they are unable to appropriately assess the situation and make the proper driving decision as to what is safe and unsafe. In this particular case age is also a factor. The driver of the vehicle is 19 years of age. This means the driver is still relatively new to driving a 3,000 to 4,000 lb. machine with enough power to kill and mame if the necessary driving decisions aren't made with proper attention and thought. Texting seems to be the new "rage" for the young drivers these days. I have personally witnessed a young woman speeding through a very large and busy intersection paying no attention to the raod but instead texting a message . It's was a miracle she passed through without incident. The laws are there.... negligent driving , wreckless driving, etc. Enforcement is the key and as far as motorcyclists go, I suggest being extra vigilant while riding. You can only control your own vehicle.
- Paul, Exeter, NH

I live in Bedford, and I travel through the spot where the accident happened every day. The on-ramp from S.River Road MUST be eliminated! This is the most dangerous intersection design and the only reason it is there is because the business owners on South River road lobbied to keep it during the re-construction of the bridge. No one ever YIELDS when coming up this ramp. The law, and the signs on the ramps, CLEARLY state YOU must YIELD to oncoming traffic when merging. Whether the girl was 10,20,40, 80, from Mass, VT, CA, on the phone or not, YOU must YIELD. NOT traffic. I can't count how many times I have gone through there in rush hour, and some $@# head comes up the ramp trying to get on 101, and gives me a look like I am the @$# for not moving over when the lane to my left is full, and the law is YOU must YIELD, NOT ME!!! People need to go back to driving school and relearn the LAW, and what all those expensive signs we pay for actually MEAN.
- David, Bedford

Just another day in the life of a massachusetts driver!

Cell phone usage while driving should be banned for EVERYONE, not just those under 21 or 25. Young people don't have the experience driving that older people have, but older people's reaction time slows down as they age. It is equally dangerous for all ages.
- Em, Manchester

From the alleged facts of police reports so far, I think this young woman should definitely be charged for her reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. Was her cell phone use part of the problem? Likely, but I wasn't there. That's for the court to decide.

Yet the older, seasoned (by his own words) motorcyclist needs to accept that his driving choices and habits also led up to this wreck.

If you have to move into another (breakdown) lane to "avoid a rear-end collision," then you are following too closely. Someone cut you off, you say? Good luck with that defense.
- David M., Manchester

Peter- Jeff meant the NH State Legislature. It was passed It becomes law beginning of the year I think.

Bottom line is PAY ATTENTION when driving!
- Kristina, Concord NH

Plenty of young GUYS on their cell phones drive like idiots. too, Glenn.
- Kate, Manchester

Jeff Concord: stop calling people ignorant while you type misinformation. The law going into effect is strictly prohibiting TEXTING, not phone usage. It doesn't even require hands-free while driving. Hands free is a little safer than phone in hand talking, but it is still very risky.
- Brian, Derry

Folks, regardless of what you think, cell phone users have become a significant issue in road safety. Distracted drivers (in any form) are a danger to all. The sad part is that this could have had emphasis many years ago but was squelched by whom? Congressmen who insisted on their convenience right to talk while driving.
Peter's comment is incorrect. The 2010 ban is on texting while driving, not cellphone use. That still remains as an issue. How many of you have been frustrated by a driver cruising down the fast lane, usually slower than the rest of traffic? And when you pass them on the right side, what do you see? Someone yakking on their phone, with absolutely no idea of the effect they're having on traffic. The only way to resolve this is to put more pressure on your representatives to be concerned with safety instead of convenience. Just the opinion of a rider since 1966, and a former MSF Instructor.
Keep in mind that motorcyclists are trained to watch for other drivers to do the unexpected, but that not one state requires their student drivers to bwe aware of motorcyclists.

Robert, hope you heal quickly.
- Bob, Atlanta, GA

Glad you are OK. Hope the rehab and convalescing doesn't take too long.I know that intersection and it's rough.

Get a good lawyer and file to recover lost wages and medical costs ASAP.
- Rscalzo, Epping,NH

New Hampshire should follow California's lead and allow lane-splitting for motorcycles. This would not necessarily avoid the situation where a driver, distracted by a cell-phone conversation, cuts across lanes to get to an exit. But it helps keep 2-wheel traffic flowing.
- Bill Grava, Derry

Young girls on their cell phones. I ride a motorcycle and almost every time I see someone not paying attention it is a young girl on her cell phone. It should be illegal for anyone under 25 to drive while holding a cell phone. Many don't have the experience or understand the consequences of doing so.

I choose to wear a helmet, but for anyone to insinuate that this accident occurred in any way due to the rider not wearing a helmet is absurd.
- Glenn, Center Conway

"The ban on cell phone use while driving has passed congress. The law goes in to effect on 01/01/10.

Stop being outraged the we have not passed a law banning the use of cell phones. WE HAVE.

Now if we could only pass a law prohibiting ignorant people from posting on News web sites.....
- Jeff, Concord"

Jeff, care to post a reference where Congress passed, and the president signed such a law? This ignorant person would like to become less ignorant.
- Peter, Jaffrey

No need to ban cell phone, current enforcement exists with negligent driving laws. The girl was negligent and guilty of a number of crimes.

The motorcyclist probably should have been cited for traveling in the breakdown lane.
- Burke, John, Dover

A helmetless motorcyle rider saying that there ought to be a law mandating no cell phones while driving. Irony! How about NH passes a twofer law? No cell phones while driving plus mandatory helmets? He's lucky he didn't die.
- Bob, Bedford

I am the mororcyclist that was hit by the driver on the River Road / Everett Turnpike, on / off ramp. First of all I want to thank all of the emergency personel on the scene and at the Eliot Hospital. Great job!! I want to clarify that I was not in the break down lane, I was on the ramp trying to merge onto route 101 east and could not, do to traffic and I was going into the break down lane to avoid a collision when this vehicle side swipped me on the ramp bearly missing the guard rails that seperate the highway from the off ramp to the Everett turnpike.
Cell phones aside, this is clearly another driver not paying attention to driving a motor vehicle no matter what see was doing. I was taught in 1975 when I went through drivers education that you are solely responsible for that automobile and the contents there-in. Does that rule still apply? Thank you for all the responses to this situation.
- Robert Heywood Jr., Barrington NH

Notice that no charges have been filed yet the Union Leader has already assigned guilt. They way I read the story the biker was driving aggressivly and got mad when a car got between him and his buddy. While he was messing around trying to push his way around that car, there was a collision between him and this girl. Then, his buddy verbally attacked the girl so she took off because she was scared for her safety. The fact is, many bikers ride aggressvily, weave in and out of traffic, and push their way into very tight spaces in traffic. When there is a wreck it is always "I wasn't doing anyting and she/he just hit me". There are plenty of good bikers, especially in New Hampshire, but a little bit of self-policing among their ranks would go along way to weed out the scum-bag riders.
- Nick, Bedford

Ryan, Londonderry,
Typical, uneducated knee-jerk reactionary statement. Sure, MAYBE the biker could've just sucked it up and let her in regardless of trying to stay with his friend, but I wasn't there. But as a biker, I resent your comment about our "typical" behavior. When I'm on my bike, I pretend I'm in a car, and if that means sitting in traffic when I can easily go around it, then so be it.
- Tim K, Jaffrey

Typical motorcyclist trying to drive in the breakdown lane to avoid the traffic jam that everyone else has to sit in. Now ban cell phones? I'm typing this on my iPhone right now while driving.
- Ryan, Londonderry

She should be charged with RECKLESS driving. I can't tell you how many times I have had to take evasive action due to someone on a cell, Mostly YOUNG GIRLS. I think there should be a law, no cell phone usage while driving until your 21.
- Gary Thomson, Keene

Um, Scott. You can't "attempt" manslaughter.
- Steve, Manchester

Not one comment about where the driver is from? You guys are slipping.
- AJ, Concord

Ray from Hampton,
How did this turn into a bass the police thing? You say cops are the worst offenders of talking on a cell phone and driving. What law did they break? As for the girl that hit the motorcyclist, she did not break a cell phone law either. She was negligent and will be charged accordingly. I have no idea why the Union Leader gives people like Ray a forum to spread hate and discontent.
- Frank, Manchester

Steve - what's your problem? By all accounts, this woman was not only driving negligently, she did leave the scene of the accident. Sure, the cops have to finish their investigation, but if the accounts hold up, what do you suggest - a reprimand from the judge>

I've been a biker and a runner for many years, and nothing strikes more fear into your heart than seeing a driver on a cell phone deeply engaged in the conversation and barely aware of where they are, not to mention where you are.
- zoot, Manchester

- Bruce, New London says, "The article doesn't say why the mother called the police, but it easily could be that she simply believed in doing the right thing, even though knowing that it would get her daughter into trouble. I call that responsible parenting!"

You're joking right Bruce? She is protecting her daughter against interacting with the authorities and having what she would no doubt say used against her in a court. That is responsible parenting and very smart, but not in the way you infer but as supreme selfishness. The woman should be a lawyer, nice work mom!
- Tracy, Nashua

Sounds like if the bike had stayed in the proper lane he would have been fine. His fault is clear.

On the other hand the woman is out of her mind and needs to be charged with serious violations. And the rider, and all riders, should have a helmet.

I would guess that 40% of women in cars are on the phone. Something needs to be done. I have been under the impression since getting a license in 1973 it was illegal to be doing anything that prevents you from having two hands on the wheel. How about some enforcement?

With the cops it's all about income and funding, they do what they think will help their income stream. Therefore raise the fines and let the boys in blue go to work. Get the women off the phone!
- Roger, Rochester

The legislators wont step up to outlaw all cell phone use by everyone(including police) because they use them when they drive as well. Instead they make meaningless and useless gestures such as no texting. You CAN NOT prove without a search warrant or subpoena that someone was texting and not talking...OUTLAW ALL USE
- Chip, Hooksett

If I can't drive and talk at the same time, I'd be out of business. My entire job is going from location to location, and between stops offering support for customer base. Surely, you'd hate to have a hospital out of service if your loved one was in there while waiting for me to get to the site to fix a problem instead of doing it from the road.
- doug, Bedford

NH has "weave" ramps where on ramps are immediately followed by off ramps because they are much cheaper to make. That being said, DOT does not recommend their use.

NH is not going to ban the use of cell phones while driving. At best we will get a law requiring a hands free device, which I'm sure you all know by now is not any better than holding the phone in your hand.
- Chip, Wilton

I'll agree that the on/off ramps right there are an accident waiting to happen (just like the Amoskeag Bridge exits). That said, that is no excuse for someone to be crossing 2 lanes and dragging a motorcycle....and then leaving the scene of an accident!

SHE may not be capable of driving while talking on a cell phone, bu that is no reason for yet another law. We have a law in NH already that covers all distracted driving. Parents turning around to get a toy for the kid in the carseat in the back seat....the person reading the newspaper....the person smoking with one hand and drinking coffee with the other...etc. Simply talking on a cell phone in itself is not necessarily distracting for all people, texting is a different story. Regardless, we don;t need more laws, we need to just enforce the ones we already have!

As for Brittany from Lowell - I am sure they will press charges and I hope the judge is very harsh. An accident is one thing, but her actions were inexcusable. Since she has a MA license, not sure that a NH court will be able to take away her license. Hopefully she had insurance so that the injured man will be compensated for his injury and the time lost at work.
- Tammy, Manchester

The ban on cell phone use while driving has passed congress. The law goes in to effect on 01/01/10.

Stop being outraged the we have not passed a law banning the use of cell phones. WE HAVE.

Now if we could only pass a law prohibiting ignorant people from posting on News web sites.....
- Jeff, Concord

Can we please outlaw *ALL* use of cell phones by the operator of a motor vehicle?

Study after study shows that it is impossible to safely drive while using the telephone (hand held or hands free) by drivers, yet we insist that it is OK? I'm so tired of dodging drivers who talk and drive that it's almost to the point I may simply not bother to avoid them in the future.

Yea, I do drive a big truck--it's necessary in today's cell phone distracted driving environment.
- Peter, Jaffrey

The article doesn't say why the mother called the police, but it easily could be that she simply believed in doing the right thing, even though knowing that it would get her daughter into trouble. I call that responsible parenting!
- Bruce, New London

What this woman did was unexcuseable , but why does NH insist on putting OFF ramps directly after ON ramps? the off ramp at the Amoskeag Bridge is another crazy place.
- JimC, Ward2 Manchester

Yes Make it a law, even though it wont make a difference, yes the cops are the worst offenders I waited a extra 5 minutes to get a ticket from a state trooper while he took a call, I saw a hampton officer on the phone when he should have been directing traffic.
- Ray, Hampton

To Scott and Pat. This isn't an episode of CSI where the drivers DNA is analyzed and she is found and locked up in a 30 minutes episode.

Pat thanks for the advise on what charges should be filed. I am sure that investigators reading this will take your advice.
- Steve, Manchester

It is high time this state wake up and ban cell phones when driving entirely, I myself have had too many near misses with people on them and personally one of these days will shove them down someone's throat. It is also a state law Robert that if someone hits you when they are on a cell phone, you can press charges. Go for it and may you have a speedy recovery, take care and drive safely. Too many times people do not pay attention to bikes or cars and drive very stupidly.
- Misty, Concord, NH

Not only do police officers routinely drive while chatting on cell phones, many more are now driving while reading and typing on their laptop computers. Many of these computers have a "chat" function built in, and the officers are chatting with each other. Worse, many are using the internet! It is only a matter of time before an officer is involved in a serious accident and a savvy defense attorney subpoenas computer and cell phone records to prove the distraction. Maybe then we will see some effective legislation to counter this growing problem!
- Reed Malloy, Newmarket, NH

It's time to make a it a law that you cannot talk on a cellphone while driving. The only problem is that all the police officers and government employees do it. Some of them are the worst offenders. Brittany should not only lose her license but her cellphone for a while. That is what should happen when you cause an accident and it's proven you were on the phone.
Wishing a speedy recovery to Robert.
- j-9, berlin,NH

I hope they throw the book at her. It's time they start doing something about these people running over bikers.
- Deb, Portsmouth NH

Police had not announced any charges against Lacourse as of yesterday evening. Police said Lacourse's mother called to report the incident.

no charges yet?!
How about a hit and run charge?
What is up with having Mommy call the police?

unreal.
- Pat, Hudson

Not to excuse the cell phone driver but entry to the southbound Everett Turnpike on ramp has always been a problem for a lot of drivers. I have used that route for 30 years and there is always a "squeeze play" between the two drivers merging from the 2 roads. It appears to be engineered wrong by the DOT...but what else is new?
- Mike, Bedford

No charges have been filed yet? I hope that's because prosecutors are debating weither or not to charge her with attempted manslaughter.

This "girl" looked back before driving off!!! I would throw the book at her and pull her license for a long, long time.

I don't advocate lawsuits, but I hope this victim sues the heck out of that girl.
- Scott, Manchester