BOISE, Idaho — Boise city councilors voted unanimously on an ordinance focused on stopping distracted driving. The proposal from council president pro-tem Holli Woodings is similar to one recently passed in Meridian.
It would ban drivers from using cell phones except in a hands-free mode of operation. The council hosted a public hearing on the matter, with two people testifying in favor of the measure.
"People on our streets are increasingly distracted while they are driving, and this eliminates one of the common sources of distraction which is us being glued to our cell phones all the time," said Woodings. "So, by giving the police a preemptive tool to prevent people from using their mobile devices while driving, we can make our roads safer for everyone."
If it is ultimately approved, police will spend a few months educating drivers before starting to hand out tickets in July. Tickets will cost 90 dollars, plus court costs.
