Pocono News Section

Wilkes-Barre Cell Phone Ban Now in Effect

Wilkes-Barre Cell Phone Ban Now in Effect - Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 04:02AM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Sunday April 18 2010
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY - Wilkes-Barre's cell phone driving ban started Sunday. Under the new rule, you can't dial your phone, talk on it, text or browse the web while driving.

Driver Todd Eagleton said,"If you're looking at a cell phone, or you're dialing a cell phone or your texting you're not paying attention to the road."

Driver Angelo Berrettini added,"It will make the drivers more aware. People aren't aware of what they're doing while they're driving."

Driver Rachael Dwyer said,"I just think it's such an ingrained habit and people are so used to talking on their cell phones. It's so convenient whenever you have to get a hold of somebody."

Dwyer admits she talks and drives. She'll follow the new rule but she's not sure everyone else will. She explained, "It's an ingrained habit and it also passes the time," she adds.

But passing time on the phone could cost you. The fine is $75. Ralph Homyack thinks it should be more. He said a distracted driver almost ran into him once. He recalled, "The lady was on a cell phone and almost hit me, my wife and my two kids."

Wilkes-Barre workers have not put up signs warning drivers of the new rule. Dwyer remarked,"It's not really fair to not warn them."

City Council hopes the state passes a driving cell phone ban so it won't have to install signs.

While most people who spoke with Eyewitness News liked the idea of making roads safer, some said their conversations are none of Wilkes-Barre's business. Driver Tom Carey said,"I don't think the government should tell you that. I think common sense should tell you don't drive."

And others - don't think we need cell phones at all. Berrettini said,"I'm not into all these fancy things that they have today."

But the fancy things are here to stay, just not while you're driving in Wilkes-Barre.

For now violators will just get warnings. After July 1 they'll get fined. AAA argues that a city wide cell phone ban is illegal because municipal governments aren't allowed to make driving rules. The organization said it would support a state wide ban because it would make roads safer.