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Hand-Held Cell Phones Banned

By
Real Estate Agent with Your Home Free

In the neighboring town of Flower Mound, there is a new city ordinance.  Don't even think about using your hand-held cell phone in a school zone!

I think this is the way most cities will start to go.  Although there have been no accidents reported citing a cell phone as a cause, crossing guards are seeing more and more drivers on the phone during school zone hours. 

This follows a similar ban on hand-held phones in Highland Park, Texas. 

The fine will be $75 to start and may jump to $200 for repeat offenders.  This ban also incorporates text messaging.  I think that is way more of a danger than being on a cell phone but all of them are distractions, even using a hands-free device. 

I have to admit that I am frequently on the phone with my own daughter in the car because it's convenient to make calls while driving.  I just have to remind myself that no deal, phone call or transcription of a number is more important than my life, that of my daughter, or a complete stranger's!  What do you think?  Are you seeing similar bans in your city?

Cell phone ban sign

Comments (5)

JDo Doe
Barrington, RI

I think if someone has not jumped on the bluetooth bandwagon yet - what are you waiting for???/  It is only a matter of time before we have a little button on our shirt to 'beam us up', lol! 

The ban will save lives since people have foregone common sense to stay connected and do not pay attention while driving.  I dont even use my bluetooth while driving through school zones just because I respect the kiddos walking/biking to school and how sad would it be if I took a call and a life at the same time!!!

Mar 27, 2008 04:35 AM
Brian Luce
HomeStarr Realty Inc. - New Hope, PA
Associate Broker

Great Post.  NJ (my close neighbor) is the same way.  IN the past, it was a Summary offense so they couldn't pull you over for it "directly" but now after a recent change in the law.  They can now pull you over just for seeing you on the phone.  I think it's long overdue.

I love by Bluetooth Headset on my "regular phone".,  I don't understand why more people don't use them. 

Mar 27, 2008 04:35 AM
Sean Allen
International Financing Solutions - Fort Myers, FL
International Financing Solutions

hhhmmm, Interesting. we have a Middle School right around the corner from our home on a busy street and absolutely NO SIGNS telling motorist to slow down. Simply amazing !!! Then about 2 miles down the same road we have an elementary school which sits about 4 blocks off the main road on a side street and they DO have slower speed zone for school. It makes no sense.

Sean Allen

Mar 27, 2008 04:40 AM
Ryan Smith
South Texas Land Team, LLC. - Pleasanton, TX

I have a 5 year old fixin to be in Kinder next year and I think that this law is great.  People just don't focus enough while they are talking on the phone.  I would like to see that this be inforced though.  There should be a officer there in the AM and PM to help control those who can't seem to get off the phone.  Another note is to see who is on the phone?  Teenagers?  More and more high school age kids have cell phones and are using them while they are driving.  Controlling their use would be a great start.

Apr 07, 2008 03:05 AM
Becky Respess
Broker/Associate Century 21 Judge Fite Co - Cedar Hill, TX
ABR, CRB, CRS
I agree with you completely and there are several towns in the DFW area that have taken this stand. However, did you hear the news (last week I think) about the study which has proven that the bluetooth isn't stopping that many accidents. No matter what (they said) the phone is distracting because you are focusing on the conversation not driving. I really hope this doesn't mean making cell phone use illegal. I guess we could go back to the good old days and pull over to make a phone call like we did with phone booths. Wouldn't that be aweful???
Apr 07, 2008 08:17 AM