D.C. Council Bans Cell Phones While Driving

http://www.nbc4.com/traffic/2744833/detail.html ^

[Stew Padasso]

D.C. Council Bans Cell Phones While Driving

Law Could Take Effect In July

WASHINGTON -- Anyone wanting to talk on a cell phone while driving through the nation's capital better have a hands-free device soon.

The D.C. City Council Tuesday afternoon gave final approval to a bill making it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while behind the wheel. There will be exceptions for emergencies.

Ward One Councilman Jim Graham was the lone dissenter. Graham has expressed concern about using police resources to enforce the law.

The measure now goes to Mayor Tony Williams, who has indicated he will sign it. Assuming he does, enforcement would likely begin in July. Violators would face $100 tickets.

New York has banned use of hand-held cell phones while driving since 2001, when it became the first state to do so.

[camas]

about the only thing that this bunch has done right.

[upchuck]

New York has banned use of hand-held cell phones while driving since 2001, when it became the first state to do so.

How 'bout it NY FReepers? Has this been successful?

BTW, drivers yakking on a cell phone is a real pet peeve of mine. Nearly been killed by several.

[Stew Padasso]

What about ticketing people who are shoving food in their mouth while driving?

[KarlInOhio]

A hands free microphone and earphone combo costs $10-20. I even got mine free with my cell phone. I can't imagine trying to drive and talk for more than a half minute call anymore. I liked it so much that I got one for my regular phone, which is really nice when chatty people like my parents call. Hands free is the way to go (although I hate the idea of it being mandated by law).

[Stew Padasso]

I agree, it is just easier and smart to use a hands free.

[jjw]

How 'bout making distracted driving illegal?

(Kinda' like making murder illegal instead of guns--oh that's right it already is).

[TheBattman]

If cell phones are going to be banned while driving, then so should reading books, magazines, and newspapers. Also to be banned would be applying make-up, fingernail polish, shaving, styling hair, disciplining unruly children passengers, picking up loose items on the floorboard, lighting a cigar/cigarette/pipe, smoking, etc.

You see, there are already laws on the books in many states, including here in Arkansas that deal with this issue - it's called distracted driving.

But hey-as long as we are banning behavoirs that are dangerous to the driving public....

[TheBattman]

HEy - I forgot that one in my list of prohibited activities while driving - and don't forget drinking anything, especially hot coffee!

[Living Free in NH]

I spent 10 minutes this morning driving behind a woman who was applying her make-up (farding). She was all over the road; almost got in at least 3 accidents. I finally was able to pass her and caught a glimpse - she needed a lot more make-up.

[stumpy]

Does that mean the D.C. gov't will install hands free microphones in all the police cars? How bout here in Calif. with the new law about watching t.v. while driving. Does that mean the cops can no longer look at the computers in their cars? Probably harder to type replys while driving.

[CasearianDaoist]

You can use cell phones, you just have to use the microphone-earpiece accessory.

[Wolfie]

I saw one study that said it doesn't matter if the device is hands-free or not, it still distracts the driver.

[jae471]

How 'bout making distracted driving illegal?

Actually, this bill does just that -- makes distracted driving illegal. Cell phones is just one of the points. It also includes things like putting on makeup, playing with the radio, reading, etc.

[TheGeezer]

This may bring the second-largest and third-largest businesses in D.C. to a halting crash. How can drug-dealers and pimps set up contacts efficiently without use of cell phones while in motion?

[AZLiberty]

I support such laws. I've had personal experience with the cell phone's power of distraction, so I believe the research that says that a driver talking on a cell phone is comparable to one who's legally drunk. I turned right on red when the signs clearly said not to, at an intersection near my house that I know is a regular police quota-maker -- mainly because I picked up a cell phone call just before I got to the intersection. The ticket cost me $123 and six hours in driver training, but it was worth it as a life-saving lesson.

Personally, I'm equally impaired by hands-free. It's the mind, not the hand, that gets distracted.

[Land of the Free 04]

If cell phones are going to be banned while driving, then so should reading books, magazines, and newspapers. Also to be banned would be applying make-up, fingernail polish, shaving, styling hair, disciplining unruly children passengers, picking up loose items on the floorboard, lighting a cigar/cigarette/pipe, smoking, etc.

I agree (with the possible exception of disciplining unruly children passengers, which may actually make driving safer).

You see, there are already laws on the books in many states, including here in Arkansas that deal with this issue - it's called distracted driving.

Good law; is it applied to cell phone use?

[TheBattman]

I agree (with the possible exception of disciplining unruly children passengers, which may actually make driving safer).

Well, I recently saw a woman turn around in her seat to swat a child who appeared to be in some sort of trouble - the woman swerved onto the shoulder. When she turned back around, she over-reacted and nearly ran me off the road....I think that qualifies as distracted driving!

[TheBattman]

And yes, the use of a cell phone - if it interferes with your driving, is considered "distracted driving". THe plus is that for those who may use a phone for brief times (less than 1 minute) and can maintain control do not get penalized, while some idiot that cannot keep it between the lines and off of someone else's bumper get nailed...or at least that's what is suppose to happen.

[kingu]

Yeah, they did that.. It's called reckless driving, and carries a stiff fine in most states.

It makes too much sense to enforce that, so instead they outlaw cell phones. Sort of like our silly law forbidding driving on the wrong side of the road -- If there's no one impacted, who cares?