Posts Tagged KXLH
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.”
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.
Cell Phone Ban in the News
Posted by admin in In the News on May 9, 2011
Commission considers law against cell phone use while driving
The commissioners didn’t begin to get into [specific scenarios], having a general, theoretical discussion. Ellison referenced a study that recorded more accidents among people using cell phones than among a group of intoxicated individuals. He noted various tragedies in other cities that were caused by the use of cell phones in vehicles and speculated that, even though they might not have been cited as such, the devices might have played a role in some local incidents as well.
[...]
Ellison said that, regardless, the city should adopt an ordinance in an attempt to deter people from using phones while driving.
Full Story at The Independent Record
Helena Commission to look at cell use while driving
Commissioner Ellison says he isn’t sure whether he wants to outright ban cell phone usage in cars or just limit it. He just wants the Commission to look at addressing the issue.
“There is a reason why close to 60 countries have outright bans on the use of cell phones when driving. I think we need to explore it and do what we can to make our streets safer and make it safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists,” Ellison says.
