Mayor Mike Nutter of Philadelphia has signed off on the City Council's ban on talking on handheld cell phones while driving. The mayor did so under threats from state legislators. The Pennsylvania House on Monday approved an amendment that would prevent the state's largest city from receiving $90 million in gas-tax and highway-repair funding if it went ahead with the ban. There is no state ban on handheld cell phones for all drivers. "We are doing what we think is in our best interest," he said Thursday while signing the cell phone legislation at a media set-up. " If your hands aren't on the … [Read more...]
Pennsylvania House leans on Philly
April 28, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Pennsylvania state legislators aren't stopping at voting against cell phone driving bills. Now, they're trying to force Philadelphia to abandon its recently adopted ban against handheld cell phones while driving. State Rep. Richard Geist, R-Blair, leads the charge against the public-safety rebels in Philly. His amendment to the state teenage driving legislation HB 67 would cut off Philadelphia from most of its share of gas-tax revenue and other highway funding if the city goes ahead with the local ban. HB 67 was approved in the House on Monday. It includes a ban on cell phones for young … [Read more...]
Ontario reins in handheld devices
April 24, 2009 by 24 Comments
Ontario drivers who like to yak and text on handheld cell phones have about six months to cure themselves of the habits. (Update: The Ontario ban on handheld electronics for drivers went into effect Monday, Oct. 26. This post is about the bill passing.) The Legislature gave final approval Wednesday to a ban on texting and using handheld devices behind the wheel. Prohibited activities include emailing, watching DVDs, fooling with MP3 players and video gaming. Drivers may continue to use cell phones if a hands-free device such as a Bluetooth headset is employed. "What we’re trying to do is … [Read more...]
Police beat: Cell phones, texting & trouble
April 21, 2009 by 1 Comment
Deaths, injuries and court sentences resulting from drivers who allegedly were chatting on cell phones or text messaging. These reports from police and the courts were gathered in the past 10 days or so. HOUSTON -- Police say Chanton B. Jenkins was talking on his cell phone when he lost control of the car, plunging it into a rain-filled ditch and killing five children. Jenkins was charged with four counts of intoxication manslaughter in the crash. (From AP) YORK, Pa. - A south-central Pennsylvania driver accused of text-messaging just before a crash that killed a pedestrian has been … [Read more...]
Philadelphia banishes handheld cells
April 16, 2009 by 2 Comments
The Philadelphia City Council voted unanimously Thursday to prohibit drivers from using cell phones unless a hands-free device is attached. The mayor promises to quickly sign the legislation, which includes a ban on text messaging while behind the wheel. (Update: Mayor Mike Nutter signed the legislation April 30, ignoring threats from state lawmakers.) "Dialing a phone number or sending a text message while driving will no longer be tolerated in the City of Philadelphia and I predict lives will be saved as a result," said Councilman Frank Rizzo Jr. The Philadephia prohibitions on handheld … [Read more...]
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