The cell phone is pretty much a staple of our everyday lives. It's hard to go anywhere and not find someone talking on one.
But one place Niles officials don't want to see a cell phone is on the ear of a person behind the wheel. Niles Council is considering an ordinance that bans the use of hand held cell phones while driving in the city. Niles Council passed first reading on the ordinance during Wednesday's regular meeting. A meeting is scheduled for next week to further discuss the issue.
"It bans talking, texting, e-mailing, the use of your phone if it is not a bluetooth," said Councilman Ed Stredney. "The ordinance maintains you must have two hands on the wheel."
Councilman Stredney says he decided to propose the legislation on the advice of the Niles safety-service director. "It's dangerous," Safety-Service Director Maurice Guarino said. He says he contacted Brooklyn, Ohio to get a copy of legislation they have which bans the use of all hand held cell phone devices while driving.
If the ordinance passes, those violating it could face a fine of $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second, and $100 for subsequent violations.
Many of the people we talked to about the proposal, had mixed views on the matter.
"If it looks like someone cannot drive and talk pull them over but if you see me on the phone, I can drive and talk," said Octavian Perez-Owens of Warren.
But his friend has a different view. "Some man hit me because he was talking on the phone, so I am glad about that right there," said Mohammed Hudson.
