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Monday, October 08, 2007
Ind. Law - More on: Gary ordinance to prohibit use of cell phones while driving
Updating this ILB entry from Oct. 3rd, Jane Huh of the Gary Post-Tribune reports today:
In January, motorists in the city caught using their cell phones while driving will face fines up to $200.Three months before it takes effect, the new law is already drawing mixed reactions.
Gary is likely the first municipality in the state to forge ahead with such a measure, said Laura Gibbons, Indiana Association of Cities and Towns research and policy manager. * * *
The law also does not apply to police officers or emergency vehicle drivers. Also, those using their phones to dial 911 or other emergency telephone numbers are exempt from the ordinance.
The enforcement would not take place on interstate highways that cross over into Gary, like the Borman Expressway, which is patrolled by the Indiana State Police.
"(Gary's ban) wouldn't affect the way the state police do business," said Sgt. Peter Wood, of the State Police. "It's a city ordinance that we're not going to be enforcing."
"Like with other city ordinances, people passing through any municipalities are going to be subject to that municipality's laws," Wood said.
At-large Councilman Roy Pratt introduced the cell ban, modeled after Chicago's ban, in July. The ordinance cites a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistic indicating that cell phone usage while driving was a contributing factor for 2,600 fatal crashes in 2005. Fines are $20 for the first offense and $50 for the second offense. Also, if the violation occurred during an accident, the maximum fine is $200.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on October 8, 2007 08:31 AM
Posted to Indiana Law