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Niles to ban drivers’ using cell phones
The ordinance would ban all but hands-free cell-phone use in moving vehicles.
BY JORDAN COHEN
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NILES — Motorists who talk or text on their cell phones while driving within the city limits of Niles could find themselves on the receiving end of a citation from police.
City council Wednesday gave first reading to an ordinance that would ban all but hands-free cell- phone use within the corporate limits while the vehicle is moving.
Drivers using hands-free devices would be required “to maintain both hands on the steering device.”
The ordinance contains an exception for hands-on use of cell phones to call police, fire or emergency services.
Councilman Ed Stredney, D-3rd, said he introduced the bill after receiving numerous complaints from residents.
Stredney has scheduled a meeting of his council safety committee Wednesday to review the legislation.
Council’s vote to move the ordinance to second reading was not unanimous, with Thomas Scarnecchia, D-at large, voting against it. Scarnecchia later explained that his opposition was not to the ordinance, but to taking three readings to pass it.
“This is a very important ordinance, and I don’t see why we couldn’t have passed it tonight,” Scarnecchia said. “I’m seeing too many women and men talking on their phones when they’re supposed to be driving.”
Councilman Edward McCormick, D-4th, agreed with council’s decision to take its time on the issue.
“We want to make sure we get it right, and that’s why we’re doing three readings,” McCormick said.
The proposed ordinance imposes a series of fines for offenders starting with $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second and $100 for every offense afterwards.
The ordinance exempts public- safety forces and emergency- services personnel as long as their cell-phone use is in the course of their duties.
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Comments
I once moved to Niles, wasn't there for 3 weeks and a letter from their income tax office arrived demanding that I pay local income tax. I promptly moved to a township.
If this legislation is to become law, then Niles should be required to post prominent signs on every street at every location where a city boundary occurs. The city boundaries are so convoluted it is impossible to know whether or not you are within the city. This is quite simply a money-grab by Niles politicians from non-local citizens traveling in the mall complex areas.
Good for Niles , they need the money and what better place than the stupid people who use their phone as they drive . I hope it becomes Law in all of Ohio. But that's just my opinion .
Or you can just use a hands free device which is the correct, and safe thing to do. Then you won't have to subject your self to the "money grab". However, I happen to be all for it. If another teenage girl trying to make a left turn while holding her phone to her ear, cuts it short, and almost clips my car, I am going to lose it!
Does this include police officers using cell phones for personal use while working??
The problem with this is how do you prove someone was on a cell phone? Are we going to be taking pictures, or is this going to be the word of the officer against the word of the driver? And if you continue to deny it, will they attempt to seize your phone or contact the cellular company to prove you were using the phone at the specified time? How exactly would you prove someone was texting unless it was so blatant that is warranted pulling someone over?
To be honest, while I understand the premise of why they might pursue this, there are a host of other issues that go along with this that I bet can and will be challenged in the next few months.
Most people who attempt to talk-n-drive can't falkin drive! They deserve to get a ticket, have their cell phones smashed and ear-buds inserted rectally, by force.
Shouldn't they also ban eating, drinking, smoking, speaking with passengers, putting on makeup, cb radios, DVD players, and any type of audio equipment that needs adjusting while driving? Where in God's name does this ridiculousness stop? Can't this all be included under plain old reckless driving?
"Drivers using hands-free devices would be required “to maintain both hands on the steering device.” Let's not stop here guys, lets make it illegal to eat, drink coffee, put down your sunshade and to turn around to yell at your kids. As far as I can see, just about all these activities and others will require that one of your hands is not on the steering device. No more scratching yourself in traffic either!