I have an idea for the bright students and/or practitioners of electronics out there — build a cell phone-blocking device that would prevent all incoming and outgoing cell phone messages while the vehicle’s ignition is on.  Once the ignition is off, the user could talk, text message, and do all of the things that they are currently doing while driving on our highways. This would offer more safety for them and for others around them.

I’m sure that for a person who is capable of building this electronic marvel could also easily make it pilfer-free. Build it with a built-in feature of not being disabled without disrupting the performance of the engine. Having it hard-wired to the ignition system or fuel pump would be a possible method of disallowing its function from the car. I am not a bright student of electronics, but I’m sure that one could easily come up with a much more innovative idea.

Legislation should be passed making it illegal to drive while using the cell phone. If this device was then made a requirement on all new cars, it would make it much easier for law enforcement to spot cell phone users as they drove down our highways. If they were talking or texting, it indicates that the device has been disabled and to cite the driver for two infractions.

What politician in his right mind would be foolish enough as to attempt to block this legislation? I feel certain that there would be those who would complain of a violation of their constitutional right to free speech and highway carnage, but so be it.

Go for it electronic whiz-kids — make a hundred-million bucks for yourself! Save lives and make the roads a much safer place to travel.

Ed Field is a Natchez resident