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Niles officials, residents voice concern about cell-phone ban
NILES — The chairman of council’s safety committee said he is “90-percent certain” he will delay second reading of a controversial ordinance to ban hands-on cell phone use by motorists within city limits.
Councilman Edward Stredney, D-3rd, responded after a committee meeting in which several residents voiced opposition and the city prosecutor and police chief agreed more information is needed before council proceeds.
The ordinance limits cell-phone usage within city limits to a hands-free device with both hands on the wheel. Hands-on cell phone calling, text messaging and e-mailing would be prohibited, with fines ranging from $25 to $100.
The meeting tonight in a small conference room was packed with city officials and several residents, none of whom spoke in favor of the proposal. Police Chief Bruce Simeone admitted he has a critical issue with it.
For the complete story, see Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com
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Comments
The idea might be well-intentioned, but here we go again with a bunch of little communities all across the state creating a patchwork of different rules and laws that will change literally from one block to the next - and in some Niles areas, literally from one driveway cut to the next. The BETTER solution to this problem would be in a county-wide or state-wide plan of some kind... besides, it is hard to legislate "common sense" - people either have it or they don't.
How did we ever get through the day or travel from place to place before we had cell phones and texting? I guess nobody drove then? Somehow we survived. Needing to text or have inane conversations on the cell phone in the car or store or in a restaurant or theater is more than poor manners, it is an addiction not far removed from drug addiction. Many people can't supress the uncontrolable urge to text or talk on the cell phone whether it is important or not. Is the cell phone today's security blanket? Some people use the excuse that they are in sales and need to talk on the cell phone while driving. Bull! Sales existed succesfully long before there was the cell phone, a good salesperson doesn't need this crutch. If it is absolutly crucial that you talk on the phone while driving at least don't be so cheap that you can't get a hands-free unit. And it isn't about "rights" either. If you want to endanger yourself that's your business but you have NO right to endanger others with irresponsible actions that take away your attention while driving.
No cell phone bans. I can understand banning texting, but not cell phone talking. I have never had an accident and have been doing it for many years now. Doesn't eating that hamburger or putting on the makeup while driving need enforced too if your doing talking on the cell phone bans? Stupid politicians!!!