Niles to ban drivers’ using cell phones

The ordinance would ban all but hands-free cell-phone use in moving vehicles.

BY JORDAN COHEN

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NILES — Motorists who talk or text on their cell phones while driving within the city limits of Niles could find themselves on the receiving end of a citation from police.

City council Wednesday gave first reading to an ordinance that would ban all but hands-free cell- phone use within the corporate limits while the vehicle is moving.

Drivers using hands-free devices would be required “to maintain both hands on the steering device.”

The ordinance contains an exception for hands-on use of cell phones to call police, fire or emergency services.

Councilman Ed Stredney, D-3rd, said he introduced the bill after receiving numerous complaints from residents.

Stredney has scheduled a meeting of his council safety committee Wednesday to review the legislation.

Council’s vote to move the ordinance to second reading was not unanimous, with Thomas Scarnecchia, D-at large, voting against it. Scarnecchia later explained that his opposition was not to the ordinance, but to taking three readings to pass it.

“This is a very important ordinance, and I don’t see why we couldn’t have passed it tonight,” Scarnecchia said. “I’m seeing too many women and men talking on their phones when they’re supposed to be driving.”

Councilman Edward McCormick, D-4th, agreed with council’s decision to take its time on the issue.

“We want to make sure we get it right, and that’s why we’re doing three readings,” McCormick said.

The proposed ordinance imposes a series of fines for offenders starting with $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second and $100 for every offense afterwards.

The ordinance exempts public- safety forces and emergency- services personnel as long as their cell-phone use is in the course of their duties.