Luzerne Bans Driving with Cell Phones

Regional news

updated 12:18 a.m. ET Nov. 6, 2009

LUZERNE BOROUGH, LUZERNE COUNTY- A new ordinance in Luzerne is on the books to stop people from talking on the mobile devices while driving. Rick Mattern of Swoyersville agrees with the ban. "I do see some people that they're not real responsible when they're using cell phones," said Mattern. It bans people from using mobile devices while driving. But Al Manganelli isn't a fan of the new ban. "I'm against it only because I'm a salesman. I put on probably one thousand minutes a week and most of that's behind the windshield," said Manganelli. The ordinance was passed in August. Complaints about near- accidents caused by drivers texting and talking led to the ban.Luzerne borough council president Mike Jancuska said, "It's important because anything happens to save one person's life it's important enough to enforce this." Thousands of people drive the cross valley expressway which cuts through part of Luzerne. Borough council says local police likely won't be patrolling the cross valley expressway so you won't get a ticket for using your cell phone here. State police are responsible for the cross valley and troopers say they don't enforce local ordinances like this one. But if you're planning on driving through Luzerne, finish up that phone call before getting behind the wheel. The fine for breaking this cell phone ban is 75 dollars. Luzerne Borough says it modeled its mobile devices law after Carbondales policy. Read more atpahomepage.com.

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