The Coalition for a Safe Manhasset (CSM) is doing a superb job of publicizing the many driving infractions and illegalities on Plandome Road. Unfortunately no pictures were printed this past week in spite of the fact that the number of the driving illegalities does not appear to be falling. The CSM should continue to take pictures of vehicles in improper circumstances and the Manhasset Press should print them all. It would be unacceptable to have another vehicular fatality on Plandome Road. Publicity cures many problems, if people pay attention and take steps within their power.

The pictures printed to date have the license numbers blacked out. The driver's pictures have never been shown. Linking a name to a number in a newspaper may be a privacy issue and somewhat accusatory, but license numbers are publicly displayed and alone should be available to the public. How many of us, seeing a weaving driver, make note of the plate number so as to avoid getting close to that car? Blanking out the number prevents neighbors from providing positive reinforcement, corrective comments, or even friendly ridicule, in private to acquaintances. Keep printing the pictures and add the license numbers.

We all need to get involved to reduce the number of incidents and make Manhasset safer. Acceptance of poor, selfish attitudes and refusal to get involved means that we are teaching our children bad social habits. State vehicular operating rules are laws for which penalties are imposed. Breaking them is an illegal act. Speeding up Park Avenue is one. Another is crossing the double yellow line. When one makes a U-turn on Plandome Road, such as from a parking spot, it is an illegal act. So is double parking.

Some of the people who get their vehicle's picture taken get mad and threaten the picture takers. It is human to be wrong and blame it on someone else. But it is not acceptable to think that you own the road. We all do jointly. Perhaps we all ought to help CSM both by thoughtfully abiding by the traffic rules and by carrying a digital camera to take more pictures. Creature habits can be changed through example, perseverance, and publicity. Help make Manhasset safer.

Paul Early