The police are investigating whether a driver was reading a mobile phone text message before a weekend tragedy in which two teenage girls died. This little message brings me to the reason why I want to voice my strongest objection to a paragraph in I. M. Beck's column of July 24. In my view it is the most irresponsible statement I ever read.

I do not know what the laws in Malta are regarding driving and talking on the phone but here in Australia it is a major offence and quite rightly so. Who in his right mind can encourage immature young drivers by telling them that such an action is not a distraction? How can one be less responsible than by saying that you drive by eye and not by ear?

I am more than certain that in my birthplace there are ambulances and fire trucks, so how is one to give way to these life-saving utilities blasting their sirens and racyboy can't hear them because of modern car windows that shut off all outside noise, plus having earphones on listening to music or answering a call?

I showed these particular statements of Mr Beck to a policeman friend to check his reaction and comments. He was dumbfounded and amazed that such writing is allowed to appear. He said the writer should be verbally flogged and chastised by those responsible to look after the welfare and well being of the community because, after all, if there is a traffic accident it could also involve pedestrians.

In my view that comment requires a clarification for all those who might have formed the wrong impression.