WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.-The Westchester County Legislature voted unanimously last Monday to prohibit drivers from talking on handheld cellular phones.
The measure authorizes fines of up to $150 for an offense in the county unless the driver is using a hands-free device or is placing an emergency call.
“We as local officials have an obligation to protect our own citizenry if we can’t get the state to do it for us,” said Louis Mosiello, sponsor of the bill.
While states have yet to pass laws banning the use of wireless phones while driving, nine local jurisdictions in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania have enacted laws banning the combination. New York City is said to be readying two proposals restricting the use of phones while driving.
The wireless industry has said in the past it opposes any legislation banning the use of cell phones while driving, noting education is a better alternative.
