2008 Woodie Awards
Chicago to ban texting while driving
Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: News Briefs
The city of Chicago wants to join the trend toward banning text messaging while driving.
The Chicago City Council is taking steps to prohibit drivers from texting while driving.
Law enforcement personnel and operators of emergency vehicles would be exempt. All other drivers would be prohibited from texting and surfing, except when the vehicle is parked. Violators would face a $75 fine for each offense, or $200 if it involves a crash.
Ald. Edward Burke (14th ward) is pushing the ordinance. He said Wednesday he understands the arguments against the proposed ordinance, that Chicago shouldn't act like a nanny. But he said a text messaging ban would be a boon to safety, like the seat belt law.
Eight states currently ticket driving texters.
The Chicago City Council is taking steps to prohibit drivers from texting while driving.
Law enforcement personnel and operators of emergency vehicles would be exempt. All other drivers would be prohibited from texting and surfing, except when the vehicle is parked. Violators would face a $75 fine for each offense, or $200 if it involves a crash.
Ald. Edward Burke (14th ward) is pushing the ordinance. He said Wednesday he understands the arguments against the proposed ordinance, that Chicago shouldn't act like a nanny. But he said a text messaging ban would be a boon to safety, like the seat belt law.
Eight states currently ticket driving texters.
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