Web Search powered by YAHOO! SEARCH
share
email
font size
options
 
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Hey You! On The Skateboard! Drop The Cell Phone!
Don't skate & chat, councilmen say.

City Councilmen Bill Greenlee, Bill Green and Frank Rizzo met with the media this morning to discuss legislation they will introduce tomorrow to ban the use of cell phones -- talking or texting -- in moving motor vehicles unless drivers use a "hands-free device."  We reported about all that last month.

Greenlee and Green have updated the legislation since then.  It now will cover anyone "using a skateboard, scooter, rollerblade or bicycle on any street within the city."  Could be a tough blow to many bike messengers and multi-tasking exercise enthusiasts.

The legislation faces a daunting challenge as far as motor vehicles go.  PennDOT says the legislation will conflict with the state's motor vehicle code, which takes legal priority over local laws.  And an attorney has already successfully challenged a similar ordinance in Hilltown Township, Bucks County.

Still, they press ahead.  "We're trying to really eliminate a danger here," said Greenlee, citing studies that show the likelihood of having an automobile accident increases when a driver is talking or texting on a cell phone.  As for PennDOT's opinion, Green said: "They're wrong."

Posted by Chris Brennan @ 1:14 PM  Permalink | 2 comments
Comments   
Comment removed.
Comment removed.
2 comments
About Chris Brennan and Catherine Lucey
PhillyClout
Chris Brennan, a native Philadelphian and graduate of Temple University, joined the Daily News in 1999. He has written about SEPTA, the Philadelphia School District, the legalization of casino gambling, state government, the mayor, the governor, City Council and political campaigns.

Catherine Lucey joined the Daily News in 2002. Since then she has written about murderous drug gangs, political protesters and Harry Potter. For the past two years, she covered the 2007 mayoral election. Now that the battle is over, she has moved down to the City Hall bureau where she will report on the Nutter administration.
Follow on Twitter

Share your tips

Catherine Lucey
luceyc@phillynews.com 		Chris Brennan
brennac@phillynews.com
Advertise Here