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
How could I ever talk on the phone with Michael Bolton turned up so loud on the car stereo?
Comment removed.
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.
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.
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.
they can outlaw phones while driving bc it is dangerous but cant change the gun laws?
About freaking time! Now if someone would propose a bill to get rid of the "lean" when driving...
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.
Not a moment too soon.
Not a moment too soon.
Comment removed.
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?
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.
Comment removed.
Comment removed.
Yes, and the entire state! Try this when stopped at a red light, count the number of drivers passing you with a phone attached to their ear. Alarming! I even saw a school bus driver talking on a cell while driving...Which I reported!!
Yes, and the entire state! Try this when stopped at a red light, count the number of drivers passing you with a phone attached to their ear. Alarming! I even saw a school bus driver talking on a cell while driving...Which I reported!!
They need to put a ban on the editor...."grocerty" store? really?
They should have a law banning car radios, talking to passengers while operating a car, and singing songs on long trips. Studies show that these types of distractions cause accidents. They should outlaw sarcasm too. And they should make a few laws for "this", "that", and "the other thing." Now that some fringe individuals convinced enough people that this behavior is rude and dangerous, it is possible that I could be breaking the law if I make a phone call. Why don't these guys spend their time on something more important? When they came after the smokers I didn't do anything because I didn't smoke. When they came after the cell phone users I didn't do anything because I don't use cell phones. What's next? Chewing gum? Seriously. Are there really that many accidents caused by cell phone use? Does any one know how many cars are on the road around here in a day? And what is the actual percentage of vehicles that are involved in an accident in a day? And how many are directly related to phone use? And what were the numbers before cell phones? And if they don't have the numbers, why are they making a law?
will masturbating while driving still be ok?
Don't you love the ones that talk while parking and hold up traffic. For just a hot min,they can't put the phone down. Why is everyone so ---- ghetto. You can't do both and it is about safey and some years ago I seen Rendell on a T.V. show and he said he would sign it in soon as and we still have to wait.
Comment removed.
YES YES YES its bad enough that the suburban drivers dont know how to drive on the express way and you combine a cell phone it equals backed up traffic and the potential for accidents ticket the blabbermouths heavily.
Let's put it this way. If we get hit and I see the driver of the car is just using one arm to say make a turn, while his mind is on talking, he'd better have health insurance ( on himself ).
Franknstein - maybe they could also ban people without a brain so then we wouldn't have you to listen to.
Glad to see franknstein's racist comments have been removed.
This is just the latest try of the Philadelphia City Council to write legeslation that only the STATE of Pennslyvania has the right to propose. The last time they tried it was with their gun laws and the courts threw out every thing that was in the STATE of Pennslyvania's shere of control!!
the worst is when these people on their cell phones do something stupid then when you look at them they're completely oblivious to what's happening. some even have smirks on their faces. it's the recipe for road rage for sure.
It's about time someone did something about this problem. Don't like it? Pull over to text or make your call, or buy a hands-free device and keep your phone tucked away. I don't see how discouraging someone from operating their vehicle dangerously is an infringement on anyone's rights.
what about all the drivers smoking blunts who drive down the streets with the noise blaring out of the car stereos? skip the talkers and go after the smokers.
Comment removed.
Distracted driving already is outlawed in PA we don't need more laws we need more enforcement of current laws!! Of course that would mean hiring State Police since Phila. Highway Patrol only does City streets not I-95 and that is where enforcement of ALL LAWS, even speed enforment,is needed.
City pass pass it but it can not be enforced as only the State of PA can pass motot vehicle laws. Reason is if every city, or township passed their own laws it would be impossible to know what the laws are at any given time on road. Courts already shot down law like this in Montco.
Why don't these politician spend time addressing the tough issues like taxes, homeless, and crimes. Answer they are all spineless and corrupt.
If you can't talk and drive, you're a moron. Another example of a couple of idiots ruining it for everyone.
The article is unclear. Is this really a ban on cell phones (as the article says), or is it a ban on HANDHELD cell phones? The hands-free phones are just as bad (as photog72 points out) but are universally exempted from these bans. Is that call worth the risk of dying or killing someone? Apparently.
35 comments | View All By Latest | Paginate Comments
About Inquirer City Hall Staff
- '07 Election
- Michael Nutter
- Al Taubenberger
- Pa. Politics and Policy blogs
- Young Philly Politics
- Politics PA
- Keystone Politics
- Philly Blogs:
- Metropolis
- Citizne Mom
- Plan Philly
- Changing Skyline
- Citizen Hunter
- American Debate
- The Illadelphia
- Phillyist
- Trash Me
- The clog
- Philadelphia Will Do
- Philly Skyline
- Phawker
- Philebrity
- Philly Blog
- Philly Future
- Addytood
- Philly Confidential
- Great Expectations
- Philly News
- Legal Intelligencer
- Philadelphia Business Journal
- Philadelphia Weekly
- City Paper
- Sunday Sun
- Public Record
- Inquirer
- Daily News
- Tribune
- Evening bulletin
- Metro
- Philly Politics and Policy Blogs
- Fight for Room 215
- A smoke Filled Room
- Hallwatch
- The Next Mayor
- Watchdogs & Movements
- Philly for Change
- PICA
- Casino Free Philadelphia
- The Field Negro
- PA Clean Sweep
- Neighborhood Networks
- Philadelphia Forward
Blog Roll
Get it now
Philly.com Promotions
- News | Sports | Business | What's Happening | Restaurants & Food | Entertainment | Living | Marketplace | Jobs
Site Services:
Classifieds:
- Jobs | Cars | Real Estate | Rentals | Marketplace | Celebrations
Partners:
