Thank you for your great article regarding cell phones (“Dear drivers: State bill toughens law on cell phone use,” March 17).

Like anyone who invests so much time behind the wheel, I’ve had numerous close calls from errant cell phone drivers. However, there were three incidents last fall that occurred while I was riding my large Gold Wing Honda. Once approaching the Brown Bear car wash eastbound on Norpoint Way, a Tahoe driver pulled out in front of me. He, like the other two, was talking on a cell phone held up to his left ear. He never took the time to turn his head as it would have been “uncomfortable” for him. I pulled on both my front and rear brakes and skidded right up to his door. If I hadn’t been anticipating his stupidity, I would have been seriously injured.

Incident number two was near the off-ramp on I-5 in Fife. The lady was driving back and forth across the line while talking on her phone, then suddenly she changed lanes without looking one way or the other, barely missing me. Again, I was alert or I would have been a fatality.

The third incident was northbound on Pacific Highway just north of Fife. I was moving along at the speed limit, which is 50. I was in the inside lane facing southbound traffic. A woman in a large Chrysler in the right lane was talking on her cell phone held up to her left ear. She suddenly pulled over, forcing me into the oncoming traffic. A dump truck was southbound, and I was looking at his grill. He saw what was happening and moved as far as he could to his right, affording me about three feet of life and death space.

Needless to say I caught up with the woman and we had a little talk. When we finished, she promised me on her honor she would never drive and use her cell phone again. I hope she meant it.

Whatever you can do to stop the insanity would be deeply appreciated. I only mention these three. Sadly, there have been several over the past five years, and now it actually isn’t safe for motorcycle riders who aren’t on full alert to be on the highways.

Thanks for whatever you can do.

Gary VanLandingham, Tacoma