Local News Roundup: Amended Cell Phone Ban Passes
Posted by admin in In the News on November 8, 2011
[Updated 11/08/2011 at 9:15PM]
City passes cellphone ordinance
By PIPER HAUGAN Independent Record | Posted: Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Though Ellison recently said the majority of the feedback he’d received didn’t support a hands-free ban, public comment at the meeting was split between those who didn’t want any regulation at all and those who wanted complete regulation, including that of hands-free mobile electronic devices. Those who asked commissioners not to vote for the ordinance expressed concerns about personal liberties, enforceability and the fact that cellphones are one distraction for drivers out of many.
Helena Commission passes distracted driving ordinance
Posted: Nov 7, 2011 9:41 PM by Marnee Banks (Helena)
Commissioner Dan Ellison began the process back in May saying the use of cell phones by drivers was making the streets of Helena dangerous.
The ordinance originally banned the use of hands-free devices, but after hearing from the public Ellison decided to amend it.
City Commission approves amended Distracted Driving Ordinance, zoning change for Caird property
By Jess Armstrong
The Helena City Commission unanimously approved an amended draft of the Distracted Driving Ordinance.
In 30 days, it will be illegal to drive and talk on a cell phone or use an electronic mobile device unless you use a genuinely hands-free device such as voice activation or a speaker phone connection that is activated before you start driving.
Distracted Driving Ordinance Passes in Helena
By KFBB News Team, Story Created: Nov 8, 2011 MST
City Commissioner Dan Ellison recently made an amendment to the ordinance to allow hands free devices.
He says that the ban will be looked at again to see if it’s working.
Ellison, “I wouldn’t rule out looking at both the hands free aspect of it and the whole ordinance to see if it’s working for us in the future. Right now, I’m glad that it passed and we want to see if it’s going to add to safety in our streets.”
Ellison Changes Stance on City’s Proposed Cell Phone Ban
Posted by admin in In the News on November 6, 2011
Hands-free devices likely exempt
By PIPER HAUGAN Independent Record | Posted: Sunday, November 6, 2011 12:17 am
…Ellison has reconsidered. He said he originally supported a law banning hands-free cell phone use. But after receiving a lot of feedback from residents who didn’t want it, he has changed his mind. Ellison said a lot of people he talked to told him they supported a handheld ban, but they didn’t want hands-free devices to be outlawed.
Ellison said he has received more personal contact on the cell phone question than any other issue since he took office about two years ago.
Ellison said he has received more personal contact on the cell phone question than any other issue since he took office about two years ago.
Changes Coming for Cell Phone Ban
Posted by admin in In the News on November 3, 2011
Helena Commission to amend distracted driving ordinance
KXLH Article By Marnee Banks, Nov 2, 2011, updated: Nov 3, 2011
Commissioner Dan Ellison says he will propose an amendment to allow hands free devices.The previous draft banned them.
Ellison says the response from the public has been incredible.
“I’ve had lots of comment around town: at the grocery store and restaurants, seeing people on the streets and without quantifying it in a scientific way what I’m hearing is that there is very strong support to regulate texting and handheld devices by drivers. There is also a solid level of support to allow for hands free use,” said Ellison.
Prerelease Center Expansion
Posted by admin in In the News on October 3, 2011
Helena city commissioners will hear public comment Monday night on a conditional use permit for the proposed expansion of Helena’s Prerelease Center.
“It’s been expanded twice, through this very same process and there’s an opportunity for the public to weigh in writing, verbally, at the zoning commission meetings, so there’s many opportunities for the public to be heard,” says Helena city commissioner Dan Ellison.
Hang up and drive — safely
Posted by admin in In the News on September 23, 2011
By Dan Ellison and Dick Thweatt Your Turn editorial | Posted: Thursday, September 22, 2011 12:36 am
In about the time it takes to read this article, somewhere in the country a driver using a cellphone will cause a collision resulting in serious injury or death. Cellphone accounts now outnumber people in the U.S., and many drivers consider phone use essential while on the road. It’s time to regulate this behavior in Helena.
