Iola dials up tighter cell phone laws for motorists

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July 28, 2015 - 12:00 AM

Iolans should get in the habit of setting their cell phones aside when they get behind the wheel, City Council members said.
While details still need to be ironed out, the Council directed staffers to work with Iola’s police chief to draft tighter cell phone controls for motorists.
Monday’s discussion came at the urging of Councilman Aaron Franklin, who lives along U.S. 54.
Franklin said he frequently observes passing motorists, estimating as many as 40 percent “have something in their hand,” such as cell phones.
Franklin said the city has two options:
— To be proactive, and if an accident occurs because of a distracted cell phone user, “then we can still say we did everything we could,” Franklin said.
— Do nothing, and then have to explain to a mother why the city did not do more to prevent distracted drivers.
“We’re promoting a healthy, proactive community,” Franklin said. “We have bikers here. We want them to feel safe.
“It’s only going to take one event” to change that perception, he concluded.

COUNCILMAN JON Wells agreed with Franklin’s arguments, even after acknowledging that he, too, uses his phone while behind the wheel.
He compared new cell phone laws with seat belt laws, which were toughened in the 1980s and 1990s.
Now, many more motorists wear seat belts, Wells said. It would take time to assume tougher cell phone laws in Iola would have much effect locally.
“I think most of us (on the Council) would put our hands up if we were asked if we use our phone while we drive,” Franklin added.
The challenge, City Administrator Carl Slaugh said, was to come up with an enforceable ordinance.
There still has not been enough research to determine whether the state’s texting-and-driving ban enacted in 2011 has made highway travel safer, Slaugh noted.
Iola Police Chief Jared Warner was not at Monday’s meeting.
“Input from him and his department would be helpful,” Councilwoman Nancy Ford said.
Franklin said he already has approached Warner about a new ordinance.
“I’m not going to speak on his behalf,” Franklin said. “He did mention challenges initiating change like this. But all change is challenging.”

OTHER FACTORS to consider:
— Slaugh noted communities used to post signs at their city limits warning drivers that officers were using radar to check for speeders. Perhaps similar signage could alert motorists to any new cell phone restrictions.
— Franklin acknowledged the countless out-of-towners that pass through Iola every day might be oblivious to local cell phone laws. Should they be given warnings instead of citations?
— Ford noted exceptions would be necessary for motorists using their phones in cases of emergency. Another challenge would be discerning routine usage from true emergencies.

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