Phila. bill would ban handheld phones while driving

A ban on using handheld cell phones while driving might be in Philadelphia's future.

Two city councilmen, Bill Green and William K. Greenlee, yesterday announced they would introduce legislation to require hands-free devices when Council returns from its summer recess Sept. 18. Emergency phone calls would be exempt from the ban.

"A distracted driver is a dangerous driver," Greenlee said, noting studies have found that to be true.

"Unfortunately, the simple act of dialing a phone number or sending a text message while driving can turn a trip to the grocery store into a trip to the emergency room," Green said. Public hearings are expected to be held this fall.

- Marcia Gelbart