D.C. bans driving while holding phone
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| Tue, 01-06-2004 - 3:13pm |
Wish my state would do the same...after having several 'close calls' (pun intended) with idiots on cell phones, and then almost being t-boned by a bimbo in her huge SUV who was so busy chatting away that she ran a red light...well, I have little patience for them. I will say, I have noticed more people pulling over on sidestreets to talk on their cells, but many of them still lack in brain power (must be the effect of the 'radiation' from the cell phones) because they stop in the street - they don't seem to comprehend that getting off the street would be not only safer but much more considerate. And yes, I own a cell phone...but I don't take or make calls while driving - that's what voicemail is for! 
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apus_story.asp?category=1110&slug=Cell%20Phones%20Capital
Tuesday, January 6, 2004 · Last updated 11:33 a.m. PT
D.C. bans driving while holding phone
By CHEVETTA GILMORE
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- Drivers in the nation's capital will have to hang up their cell phones or use a handsfree device under a measure approved Tuesday by District of Columbia lawmakers.
The D.C. Council gave final approval to a bill banning drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel. Exemptions would be made for emergency situations. Council members preliminarily approved the measure last month.
"We've all seen a lot of near misses as people are chatting away on their phones," said Councilwoman Carol Schwartz, one of the bill's co-sponsors. "We're a very densely populated city and we need to protect our pedestrians, whether they be our residents or our visitors."
About 572,000 people call the District home, although the population nearly doubles each weekday as commuters pour in from the Virginia and Maryland suburbs.
Enforcement is expected to begin in July, with violators facing a $100 fine, though no points would be assessed against their drivers licenses. Mayor Anthony A. Williams indicated last month that he would sign the bill, and would expect police to enforce it.
That part troubles Councilman Jim Graham, who cast the lone vote against the bill.
"I'm concerned about the diversion of police energy. And I'm concerned about asking our police officers to patrol and ticket people driving while having a hand-held cell phone," Graham said.
One day before the expected council vote, a crime emergency the city's police chief declared in August expired.
New York has banned use of hand-held cell phones while driving since 2001, when it became the first state to do so.
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On the Net:
D.C. Council: http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/
cl-nwtreehugger
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And what the heck is so damn important that one MUST talk while driving? I think these people are insecure and want to feel important or perhaps feel "cool". I'll bet some people "talk" on the phone with no one on the line!
okay...we have 5" of snow at my house in Seattle, and you and I found something that we agree on...I think I woke up in an alternate universe this morning...
cl-nwtreehugger
Co-cl: In The News http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/listsf.asp?webtag=iv-elinthenews&nav=start
Community Leader
HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
goofyfoot and I agree on something!
Right goofyfoot? This is an historic day.
Yes, another "here in Germany..." post.
Miffy
>"The only kind of cell phone that is legal to use while driving here is the "hands free" system.
on the other hand, i think i narrowly avoid a cell phone-related accident about once a week (and i only drive my car about 3-4 times a week). there really is NO reason to be on a cell phone and swerving through 70 mph traffic on the beltway. and it doesn't help that no one in maryland can drive anyway... :)