CITY OF HIGHWOOD PASSES HANDS-FREE CELL PHONE ORDINANCE

HIGHWOOD,
IL (AUGUST 1, 2013) – The City of Highwood has announced it has passed a “Hands-Free”
Ordinance that will go into effect August 1st, 2013. The law will prohibit
drivers from using cellular devices while operating a vehicle. The city
recognizes that talking or texting on the phone while driving creates a
substantial cognitive distraction and dramatically slows reaction time,
resulting in more life-threatening situations and automobile accidents.

The City of Highwood will align with other Illinois towns,
including neighboring Highland Park and Lake Forest, to protect drivers and
pedestrians alike by prohibiting distracted driving brought on by ongoing
cellular phone use while operating a vehicle. This ordinance will encourage
drivers to use other means of communication if it is absolutely necessary, such
as a Bluetooth or a hands-free headset.

“Research shows that distracted drivers aren’t
even aware that they’re distracted,” says Dave Wentz, Chief of
Police. “The goal is to reduce the number of distractions faced by
motorists, and return their attention to the road.  This is a responsible
step toward driver and pedestrian safety.” 



Driving while handling a phone increases risk
for accident by four to five times.  In fact, drivers distracted by phones
on the road share the same reaction time as a drunk driver with a blood alcohol
level of .08, the legal limit.



According to www.Distraction.gov, text
messaging, although seemingly easy, requires, “visual, manual, and cognitive
attention from the driver.” (VTTI) Therefore, text messaging is the most dangerous,
self-imposed handicap to responsible driving.  However, many teens and adults alike continue to text while
operating a vehicle.



Beginning on August 1st, driving with
a hand-held cellular phone pressed to one ear classifies as a moving violation.
 Drivers caught talking or listening to another person on the phone, text
messaging, or browsing the Internet while behind the wheel will receive a
citation.

“This ordinance was formulated with careful
attention to residence safety,” says Mayor Charlie Pecaro.

“Our primary concern is an improvement in accident
reduction.  Ultimately, we hope to
instill responsible driving habits.”

The City of Highwood rallies drivers to set a positive
example for teens and fellow drivers by putting any cellular device away while
on the road.  Safer driving inspires safer lifestyles.

The City of Highwood administrative
offices are located at 17 Highwood Avenue, Highwood, Illinois 60040. Feel free
to visit http://www.cityofhighwood.com, or call 847-432-1924.