New Law In Honolulu: City Council Bans Use Of Cell Phones While Driving
Posted by Wayne Parsons
April 24, 2009 4:33 PM
April 24, 2009 4:33 PM
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The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday voted to ban drivers from using any mobile electronic devices. That means anyone holding a cell phone or other device while driving will be ticketed by the police. The fine will be about $97 and the law is set to be enforced starting on July 1st. Is it a problem?
Mayor Mufi Hannemann supports the law as do most hawaii residents. But is the law enforceable? The police say "yes".
Maj. Thomas Nitta said the department supports this ban.
There is an exemption for drivers to be able to use two-way radios. The Honolulu Star Bulletin story provides the background data that lead the Council to pass this measure:
KITV News reports that:
Be prepared to hear whining from all sorts of naysayers. They’ll ask "what about pets in the car?" or "what about people eating while driving?" and the list will go on. My own opinion is that the use of cell phones is an epidemic and it is dangerous. I see the cases come into my law office where distracted drivers killing and maiming Innocent people. As an automobile accident attorney I hope never to have another one of these cases where cell phone use distracted the defendant driver.
I have written about this subject before because it bugs me: "Driving And Talking On Cell Phones Blocked By New Ignition Keys".
Other attorneys concerned about consumers and safety on the highways have also written about the subject across the country:
Proposed STANDUP Federal Act Driving to Save Lives – by Sandy Grinnell and Wooten, Kimbrough, Gibson, Doherty and Normand, P.A.
Tragic Accident Kills San Antonio Doctor – Is Cell Phone At Fault? – by Beth Janicek
What do you think about this new law? Do you use your cell phone while driving? Text? Twitter? And how about that dog in your lap? Or the foot long submarine sandwich and the hot coffee?