Bowling Green mulls ban on drivers talking on cell phones

6/18/2008

BOWLING GREEN Bowling Green is considering banning motorists from talking on cell phones while they re inside the city limits.

City Council s transportation and safety committee on Monday discussed the idea proposed by At-large Councilman Bob McOmber for about an hour before deciding to request more information from the city, including a list of pros and cons about enforcement and a draft ordinance.

Police Chief Gary Spencer said he has no idea how many accidents can be blamed on cell phone use, although driver inattention a broad category that includes any type of distraction was blamed for about 3 percent of all traffic crashes in Ohio last year.

He said he is not convinced that it s a huge issue. I m sure there have been accidents caused by someone being on a cell phone, but I m also sure there are accidents caused by someone eating a hamburger, he said. Where do you stop?