West University cell ban a good example for everyone
As the reality of deaths and injuries caused by cell phone and PDA distractions sinks in for America, the nation slowly adjusts to what’s long been a very real and very serious threat. That adjustment includes a new ordinance in the Houston-area community of West University. There, drivers on the first day of school began getting tickets (at first, just warnings) for driving while using a cell phone or other electronic device in a school zone.
The new ordinance takes effect from 7-8 a.m. and from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on school days. Drivers can be fined $200 for a first offense and $500 for a second offense.
At the same time, San Antonio is experimenting with a pilot program in which it’s illegal to use a cell phone without a headset in 18 school zones, all being areas with a high level of speeding violations. You shouldn’t send or read text messages, either, or the fine will be up to $200 after a two-month grace period starting Sept. 1.
Granted, these aren’t the sweeping changes we’ve already seen in states such as California, and it only seems to safeguard children when, in fact, every human being is threatened by distracted callers or texters who refuse to give their full attention to driving, even if it means killing someone as a result.
But at least West University has the right idea: Around a school zone, not only should you slow down, but you also should hold your calls or your calling. And anyone who has a problem with that should think hard about their priorities and analyze their hang-ups.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a driver distracted by a cell phone or other electronic device, call for a cell phone accident lawyer from Jim S. Adler & Associates. The firm offers a free case review, and its legal staff won’t be driving while taking your call.
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[...] and texting while driving in school zones has gotten so bad that some municipalities have had to pass laws to curb such distractions. Too many kids have been hurt — even killed — due to [...]