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Through adroit parlementary manuvers, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance today that would ban drivers from using cell phones without a hands free device. Chicagoist has learned that the ordinance will be enacted this July, and first time offenders will be fined $50, with repeat offenders subject to fines of up to $200 with each offense. The ordinance does not apply to people in parked cars, people calling 911, or law enforcement officials.
Alderman Burt Natarus (42nd), who has been working to pass the cell phone car ban for over two years, was finally able to marshal the votes necessary this year when he received the support of Mayor Richard M. Daley and Finance Committee Chairman Ed Burke (14th). Their support became crucial in the moments before final passage of the ordinance, as it was moved without debate and through an unusual parliamentary manuever as an "Omnibus Bill". By the time the bill had passed, aldermanic opponents had not realized the bill had passed.
Image via U.S. Census who apparently condone all kinds of law-breaking behavior.
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So, the cops are using cell phones instead of radios these days? I really don't understand the exemption for law enforcement officals. Is a cell phone generally used to help fight crime?
Overall, I think this is a good thing. It's going to require a change of behavior (and sales of hands-free devices will go up), but overall, good stuff. Plus, shuts up more idiots.
After nearly getting run over by yet another jagoff running a red light while chatting it up on his celly just yesterday, all I've got to say is IT'S ABOUT FRICKING TIME!!!!!!!!
As a recent victim of an accident caused by a cell phone driver, I favor this. However, I see other things as potential distractions equally as bad and I'm not sure how realistic it is to enforce everything, as Ald. Burke proposed.
How does he see this expanding this to all distractions? Using a hand-free device for a cell phone is one thing... but how are we supposed to drink our morning coffee on the way to work!?!? Are we going to have to use those camelback things and drink coffee through a hose?
Oh man, Benjy. That sounds like heaven.
As any intelligent person knows, it is not the physical act of dialing and holding the phone to their ear that causes problems. The distraction is the actual conversation.
So, what's next? If your driving with a passenger in your vehicle, you must sit in complete silence.
Chicagoans are gradually having their freedom stripped away and are doing nothing about it.
As any intelligent person knows, cell conversations are more distracting than passengers because they -- "WHAT!?" -- require -- "YOU'RE BREAKING UP!" -- total -- "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?" concentration just in order to -- "WAIT, I MISSED MY TURN" -- communicate.
Plus, the person you're talking to on the cell phone has no vested interest in pointing out that you're about to run a red light.
Granted, this ban doesn't go far enough. As Zorn likes to point out, hands-free phones aren't any less distracting than hand-helds. But it's a step in the right direction.
Chicago's pedestrians and cyclists are gradually having their freedom to travel safely enhanced.
Take your time to check
interesting comments, health is very important, topic of my new book
Better the foot slip than the tongue. Gillam.
It's just another scam to make money for the city. They aren't ticketing people for eating or putting on makeup.
The first offense IS NOT $50. I just got back from court and it was about $150 with court costs imposed as well.
The City of Chicago is ADDICTED to giving tickets of EVERY sort. Cell phones, parking meters, residential parking, city stickers. We might as well live in NYC which is at at least a bit more interesting of a place.. the tickets are lower and the cops and meter maids aren't OBSESSED with handing out tickets for everyting.