Thursday, October 23, 2008

Huntsville Council To Consider Cell Phone Ban for Drivers

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAAY) - Huntsville City Council members plan to discuss a ban on handheld cell phones for drivers in the city Tuesday evening.

The cell phone ban is one major issue that councilman Glenn Watson is bringing to the forefront before he leaves office. He told WAAY-31 that seeing people run red lights or causing accidents while talking or texting on cell phones is common in Huntsville.

Huntsville would be far from the first city to enact a ban on handheld phones while driving. Dozens of cities and several states have already banned the use of handheld devices while driving.

Alabama's legislature tried to enact a statewide ban several times in the last couple years, but measures have failed each time it's come up.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think it's a great idea, but it's getting flack b/c it apparently lists a something like a 10-day jail sentence upon first strike. Surely that kind of stipulation wouldn't pass thru committee, but it's the glaring error that makes the public-at-large want to throw the whole thing out.

Not to mention the selfish, asinine individuals who are now saying they want the government "out of my car."

Bello Velo said...

WTF! 10 days for talking on your phone is ridiculous! Why not ticket the shit out of all these douche bags and put the funds to good use. Sounds like it is set up to fail.


Whiny republicans:
"government "out of my car."

Anonymous said...

You have a point. 10 days is a bit harsh. First the cops need to stay off their cell phones. This is a weird social dynamic, we are a nation of communications, we are addicted to the "instant gratification" of technology. If we need to know anything, we just google it. If we need to talk to someone, we just pick up the cell phone, because more than likely, the other person has theirs too.

The math of the whole situation simply does not add up. It is about breaking habits. And this habit is widespread and popular, making is difficult to criminalize.

jims

clintpatty said...

I agree. Set up to fail. When is the next city council meeting with an opportunity to speak? I'd like to show up and give my opinion and advice for about 30 seconds. Yay for fines. I'm fine with people wanting government out of their car as long as they aren't driving on government owned and managed streets. Otherwise that's very hypocritical.