You've no doubt seen those individuals on your local pathways and bike lanes, steering their bicycle with one hand and holding a phone up to their ear with the other ... approximately 90 percent oblivious to what's going on around them. We won't even get into the motorists you all too commonly see jabbering into or texting on their cell phones. A growing number of municipalities have had it, and they're not going to take it any more--including Erie, Pennsylvania.


ERIE, Pa. — Northwestern Pennsylvania's largest city plans to ban cell phone use by drivers and cyclists.

Erie City Council unanimously approved a first reading of the ordinance Wednesday morning. The ordinance would have to be ratified by a second vote then signed by the mayor to take effect.

The ordinance bans talking, texting or e-mailing on hand-held cell phones by anyone driving a vehicle or riding a bicycle in the city. Offenders would pay a fine of $150 to $300 that would be discounted to $75 if paid within 10 days.

The ordinance would make cell phone use a "secondary" offense, meaning drivers couldn't be stopped for using a cell phone but could be cited if they were using a cell phone during another traffic offense.

At a hearing Wednesday morning, a state legislator questioned whether the law would be constitutional or enforceable.

Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. said he hopes the proposed ban raises awareness about the danger of distracted driving. "It's an important ordinance, but the broader issue is being more responsible drivers, period." Jones admitted he has spoken on his cell phone while driving.

Source: blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/12/i-90_dr...ke_note_erie_pa.html

It is good to ban those cell phones while driving in a high way. Using them while driving could lead into an accident. So banning them could be a big help for everyone not only for drivers but also for those who are always walking on the side of a highway.

I couldn't agree more. I think this is even a bigger issue now days with the new smart phones we all carry. In the past we were concerned about simply talking and driving, today its texting, games, and all the web enabled distractions. When you really look around, the majority of drivers you see either has the phone in their ear or in their hand.

I have a 15 year old son who is close to driving. Knowing first hand how he uses his PDA, I have huge concerns when he starts driving. Not only do I think they should be banned; I would like to see new technology to help ensure they are not used while driving once they are banned.

It would also help to see stiffer laws against drivers if these devices are found to be in use at the time of an accident. A quick usage check against the phone numbers with the applicable carrier should be a part of all accident investigations.

This was also a topic on a recent podcast on The Fred Cast
www.thefredcast.com/?p=1237