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Monday, August 18, 2008
Drivers: Put down those cell phones!

A cell phone ban on drivers may be in Philadelphia's future.

Two Councilmen, Bill Green and Bill Greenlee, this afternoon issued a press release announcing their intention to introduce legislation to outlaw the practice, just as it is in other cities and some states, when Council returns on Sept. 18.

"A distracted driver is a dangerous driver," Greenlee said, pointing to studies that seek to prove that true.

"Unfortunately, the simple act of dialing a phone number or sending a text message while driving can turn a trip to the grocerty store into a trip to the emergency room," Green said.

The question now: Who, if anybody, will fight the proposed ban?

Posted by Marcia Gelbart @ 4:12 PM  Permalink | 35 comments
Comments   
Posted 02:49 PM, 08/18/2008
joeross
How could I ever talk on the phone with Michael Bolton turned up so loud on the car stereo?
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Posted 04:22 PM, 08/18/2008
photog72
Another grab at money. Study after study shows that it isn't holding the phone to your ear that is the cause of the distraction, but the conversation. They should at least outlaw texting-while-driving.
Posted 04:25 PM, 08/18/2008
mbcohen
I think a ban should be imposed for the entire state of Penna. It is such a safety issue. Almost every other driver is engaged with a cell phone while driving. You can see people looking down at their phone and texting instead of eyeing the road and traffic signals.
Posted 04:27 PM, 08/18/2008
photog72
Another reason why the city shouldn't enact this legislation. Let the state do it. It will... all states will eventually. There shouldn't be a mish-mash of laws. One law for the whole state, just like Jersey, California, New York, et cetera.
Posted 04:28 PM, 08/18/2008
kmmposts
they can outlaw phones while driving bc it is dangerous but cant change the gun laws?
Posted 04:29 PM, 08/18/2008
anon
About freaking time! Now if someone would propose a bill to get rid of the "lean" when driving...
Posted 04:31 PM, 08/18/2008
chrissmith
This will just be another unenforced law. Add it to loitering, littering, speeding, running red lights...oh, well, and while we're at it...robbery and murder.
Posted 04:32 PM, 08/18/2008
chemlady
Not a moment too soon.
Posted 04:33 PM, 08/18/2008
chemlady
Not a moment too soon.
Comment removed.
Posted 04:36 PM, 08/18/2008
Dvs Mind
So when I drive down Walnut street and see a Parking Authority person driving by talking on their cell phone I can assume they will get a ticket?
Posted 04:40 PM, 08/18/2008
doorspj24
I was behind at woman at Wawa the other day who was on her cell phone from the time she walked in the store to the time she left. Talking while she paid. Talking while the person at the deli counter handed her her order. What the hell is wrong with people.
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About Inquirer City Hall Staff
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff Shields, Marcia Gelbart, and Patrick Kerkstra take you inside Philadelphia's City Hall.
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