Six things you should know about cell phone enforcement in Victoria
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New signs installed on the school zone lights in front of Patti Welder warn motorists not to use their cell phones while the lights flash during after-school hours.
BY LESLIE WILBER
A statewide law that goes into effect Tuesday bans the use of cell-phone handsets in school zones. Here are some things you should know about how the prohibition will affect Victoria:
Victoria Police have no plans for special enforcement of the law immediately. "What we're hoping for, is because the new law is in effect, people will comply," Chief Bruce Ure said.If police get complaints of people talking on cell phones while driving in school zones, they could begin looking for violations, Ure said.Drivers can use hands-free devices and can use handsets if their vehicle is stopped, according to the Department of Public Safety.Drivers could be fined as much as $200 for violating the law, according to the DPS.About 62 signs have been posted in school zones throughout town, said Jimmy Roach, deputy public works director. More signs will be posted this week.The signs cost $40 apiece. They're 18 inches across and 24 inches tall, Roach said.Drivers can use making an emergency call as a defense against prosecution, according to the DPS.
Comments
"Drivers can use hands-free devices..."
This is stupid!! It's not the fact that drivers are using only one hand to drive, it's when they're in a conversation they're not paying full attention to their driving, no matter how good THEY THINK they're doing!!
IMO all cell phone use, eating, applying make-up, etc... while driving should be banned, no matter where it is, and fined HEAVILY if caught!!! Like removal of the license!
I have a wife that it took 5 surgeries, three years, and the loss of her job to repair a severely crushed leg due to an accident with an 18yr old, cell phone talking girl!! And she'll have issues with the leg for the rest of her life!!
September 2, 2009 at 5:34 p.m.Theres going to be a lot of EMERGENCY calls being made
September 1, 2009 at 1:19 p.m.It's during School Zone hours 7:00 am to 8:15 am and from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It's not a school zone during other hours of the day.
September 1, 2009 at 10:24 a.m.The law say's "Banned from school zones" but the sign say's "when flashing" that means only when kids are "not" in class and or moving..In court they would have to go by what the sign say's, not what the law say's.
September 1, 2009 at 9:08 a.m.I would assume that it only means during school hours??
September 1, 2009 at 8:45 a.m.The sign says "Prohibited when flashing" does that mean you can use your cell phone when it is not? That doesn't sound like the way the law is written...
September 1, 2009 at 8:27 a.m.I think this is a great idea! But I don't really think people are paying attention. I work behind Howell Elementary and on my way into work, in a school zone not only was I tailgated by what appeared to be a TEACHER but she was also on her phone. I wish I could say that teachers of all people would be cautious but apparently not.
September 1, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.I like the signs and the flashing light; I didn't know that those would be put into place. Good job!
September 1, 2009 at 7:47 a.m.Hoping this will get enforced. So many close calls and so very dangerous for the little ones.
August 31, 2009 at 9:30 p.m.