The South Bend Common Council passed an ordinance Monday night that bans drivers from using their cell phones within city limits.
It’s already illegal to use a cellphone while driving in a school zone but this ordinance will make it illegal to use your phone while driving anywhere in the City.
Gavin Ferlic is the council member at-large for South Bend and sponsored the bill. His goal is to keep South Bend residents safe.
“Using a handheld device such as a cell phone for calls or texting is a major contributor to distracted driving so eliminating some of the factors that can cause distracted driving will hopefully improve safety within the City.”
People who still use their devices while driving could be charged a fine that will increase with each offense.
According to the ordinance, drivers must place their vehicle in park before reaching for the cell phone.
Contact Annacaroline at acaruso@wvpe.org or follow her on Twitter at @AnnacarolineC16
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