“Drivers who talk on cell phones may be just as dangerous as those who drink.”

The above is the lead in for an article at philly.com. As someone old enough to remember when drunk driving was a misdemeanor I consider the statement loaded. Incredible sounding now, but drunk driving was a sport into the early 80’s, and the police let the offenders who did not cause accidents sleep off the effects instead of breaking out the night stick.

Stiff penalties for drunk driving make sense, since the person at the wheel is no longer in control of their actions and may not be for hours. Anything might happen. The cellphone user, however, is in charge. They can terminate the call anytime, or ignore calls completely. Some do not; most drivers exercise some common sense, and limit or even avoid cell use in the car. But even if the consequence of driving drunk and dialing while driving are the same: they cause accidents, comparing the acts is a reach.

I wonder if the anti-cellphone crowd will borrow pages from the anti-drunk driving advocacy groups. When MADD started, the penalty for vehicular manslaughter while under the influence equaled a slap on the wrist. Jail time was unlikely. Each year, though, legislatures passed more stringent laws. Today the punishment fits the crime. Or at least better reflects public attitude towards the offense.

If history recycles, in time — maybe 20 years, maybe more — drivers caught on the phone even if they do not cause an accident could face license revocation, car seizure and jail. For now the punishment is a small fine.

Dial and drive it while you can, I guess. And please, don’t drink and call your friends at 3am. Or the last three exes. It’s not illegal, just pathetic.