April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month

The month of April is “Distracted Driver Awareness” month and we want our community to be safe as the travel our roadways.

City Ordinance 53-16 Use of wireless communications while driving (abbreviated):
(b) An operator of a motor vehicle may not use a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle within the city limits.

(c) This section does not apply to an operator of a motor vehicle using a wireless communications device:
(1) While the vehicle is parked;
(2) That is affixed to the vehicle and used as a global positioning or navigation system;
(3) That is used with a hands-free device;
(4) Who is an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle while acting in an official capacity;
(5) Who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device other than a wireless communication device; or
(6) While driving a motor vehicle on private property.

What is a hands-free device?
“Hands-free device” means speakerphone capability or a telephone attachment or other piece of equipment, regardless of whether permanently installed in the motor vehicle, that allows use of the wireless communication device without use of either of the operator’s hands.

What is a parked vehicle?
“Park or Parked” shall mean for the operator to completely cease movement of a motor vehicle in a lawful manner and location. For purposes of this section, “parked” does not include or mean a vehicle stopped in a lane of traffic due to either a lawful traffic control device, or the conditions on the roadway, or traffic congestion patterns then existing.

While operating a vehicle be sure to put your phone down and watch out for other drivers, pedestrians and bicyclist.