“Florence looks to ban cell phone use while driving”

Florence looks to ban cell phone use while driving

Posted: 20 Jul 2010 04:59 PM PDT

By Nick Lough - bio | email

FLORENCE, AL (WAFF) - A Florence city councilman looks to tackle what he calls a growing distracting driving problem. His solution is to ban texting and talking on the phone while driving.

Councilman Andy Betterton decided to sponsor the ordinance because of the risks behind the practice.

"My whole focus and my whole goal is on safety and on saving lives," said Betteron.

The councilman had people like Ben Skipworth, a 20-year-old Florence resident in mind when writing the ordinance. Skipworth, like many his age; admit to grabbing for the phone whenever he gets behind the wheel.

"I try to keep under control, but as far as talking on my cell phone, I talk on it a good bit when I'm in the car," said Skipworth.

The ordinance will be introduced during Tuesday night's city council meeting, however the board isn't expected to vote on the issue until the first week of August.

"This is a primary offense so you could actually be stopped by a police officer for either," said Betterton.

The ordinance calls for a $100 fine for first time offenders, but Skipworth says he doesn't know if it's enough to force him to break the bad habit.

"I don't know if my friend will follow and I don't even know if I'll follow it 100-percent. It's going to be a challenge for everyone especially in my age group," said Skipworth.

The new ordinance would allow driver's to use hands free devices if they wanted to make a phone call while on the road.

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