This letter is in response to Larry Brickman’s “Tougher DUI laws needed” in the Aug. 16 issue of the Kirkland Reporter.

I 100 percent agree with you that DUI laws should carry tougher penalties, however, lets not forget statistics have shown that using electronic devices while driving cause more traffic related fatalities per year than driving under the influence.

In no way am I saying one is better than the other, but rather I am saying electronic-device use while driving should carry equal penalties as DUI.

Currently in the state of Washington, a driver seen by law enforcement officers using a non hands-free device only faces a $101 penalty.

I believe it is a double standard that those individuals do not face the same penalties as some under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Please, lets stiffen the penalties for cell phone or electronic device use while operating a vehicle as well, not just single out chemically impaired drivers.

Kevin Lewis, Kirkland