City Council Considers Possible Cell Phone While Driving Ban
By: Monica Yantosh
Updated: November 8, 2012
The ordinance is being co-sponsored by Councilman Jim Gerlt and Councilman Victor Hernandez.
The item will only be up for discussion and will not move to a vote at the meeting on November 8th.
There are two possible bans that will be discussed. The first is for a complete cell phone while driving ban. That would mean you would not be able to use your phone unless you were using a hands-free device such as a blue tooth.
"I think from an enforcement standpoint, the total ban is easier to enforce," said Councilman Gerlt.
The other ban would only stop people from being able to text while driving, including sending a text message, instant message, or e-mail.
One man at Council spoke in favor of the ban. "Nothing has been done except for the school zones, and that's great that we care about our kids, but don't we care about other adults too?"
Councilman Gerlt said one major issue he's heard from the public is the fear of them losing their personal rights.
"Some people feel that this is a violation of our rights, more infringement of government coming in to play, but I don't agree with that, I see it as a matter of public safety," said Councilman Gerlt. "Because if you're texting and you want to drive into a brick wall, that's fine, but you don't determine where you're going to drive, you might drive into me."
Something others in Lubbock have similar feelings on."Keep your hands on the wheel, focus on the road, and talk to your friends when you get there," said one Lubbock resident.
The item will only be up for discussion and will not move to a vote at the meeting on November 8th.
There are two possible bans that will be discussed. The first is for a complete cell phone while driving ban. That would mean you would not be able to use your phone unless you were using a hands-free device such as a blue tooth.
"I think from an enforcement standpoint, the total ban is easier to enforce," said Councilman Gerlt.
The other ban would only stop people from being able to text while driving, including sending a text message, instant message, or e-mail.
One man at Council spoke in favor of the ban. "Nothing has been done except for the school zones, and that's great that we care about our kids, but don't we care about other adults too?"
Councilman Gerlt said one major issue he's heard from the public is the fear of them losing their personal rights.
"Some people feel that this is a violation of our rights, more infringement of government coming in to play, but I don't agree with that, I see it as a matter of public safety," said Councilman Gerlt. "Because if you're texting and you want to drive into a brick wall, that's fine, but you don't determine where you're going to drive, you might drive into me."
Something others in Lubbock have similar feelings on."Keep your hands on the wheel, focus on the road, and talk to your friends when you get there," said one Lubbock resident.
