RSS Feed
New York, NY - Push to Ban All Electronics Use by Taxicab Drivers |
|
| |
News Source: NY Times blog / NY Post
Text Size
|
|
Even the use of a hands-free device in an ear would be outlawed under the stringent new regulations.
The regulations would come with increased fines and a three-strike system in which repeat offenders would have their licenses revoked.
"The time has come to put an end to cellphone abuse once and for all," said Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Matthew Daus, adding the rules will ensure that "all drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands upon the wheel."
Current laws only ban talking on cellphones.
They will now be expanded to include any technology capable of making non-emergency phone calls, texting, playing music, taking pictures or distracting the driver in any manner while the cab is moving. GPS units are exempt if they are voice activated.
Even a cab stopped at a red light will be subject to the rules, which require that the vehicle be parked before such devices can be used. The regulations will apply to all TLC drivers, including taxis, liveries, limousines and commuter vans.
"Every driver will be prohibited from even wearing a Bluetooth device on their ears and after three strikes will be out of our industry and off the road," Daus said.
The penalties for violators will get harsher each time they're caught and convicted within a 15-month time frame.
Strike one results in a fine much higher than the current $200 plus a mandatory TLC "refresher" course.
Strike two will result in a suspended license, an even higher fine and another refresher course. Strike three and they're out. Licenses will be revoked and drivers will receive the highest fine yet.
There will be a public hearing on the new rules before they go to a vote by the TLC board in November or December.
Passengers will be reminded in a new campaign that they can demand that drivers hang up or notify authorities.
Riders around the city said the sweeping reform was long overdue.
"It pisses me off when a cabdriver's on his cellphone. I wonder if he's driving safely," said Joe Weinberg, 57, an accountant.
More of today's headlines
“New York - You may not know Elli Meyer , but you’ve probably seen him before. Meyer, 53, was the rabbi in 2 Fast 2 Furious, that Jewish guy in this year’s...”
New York - The Frum King of the Jewish Showbiz
Jerusalem - Accused Starving Mother to Judge: Its All A Lie, My Angels Shouldn't Suffer
Total6
Read Comments (6) — Post Yours »
1
Oct 16, 2009 at 11:11 AM Anonymous Says:
why are cab drivers different then reguler drivers?
2
Oct 16, 2009 at 01:19 PM Anonymous Says:
“ why are cab drivers different then reguler drivers? ”
Because they are risking the lives of someone else who has paid for their service
3
Oct 16, 2009 at 01:09 PM Anonymous Says:
who are you? are you really asking that ridiculous question?
4
Oct 16, 2009 at 12:34 PM Anonymous Says:
They should also prohibit all cell phone use in shul and beis medrash. Our rav always asks people to turn off their cellphones and PDAs before davening but someone always seems to be ringing during kedushah. Its bad enough during the week but especially annoyong on shabbos and yom tovim.
5
Oct 16, 2009 at 03:11 PM Anonymous Says:
Great hands-free device in the picture! where can I buy one?
6
Oct 16, 2009 at 03:08 PM Anonymous Says:
What should be added to the ban list are school bus drivers!!!
In observing too many school bus drivers, mostly of private yeshivos they were doing the following:
1. holding on to their cellphone and talking while driving
2. exceeding speed limits to "make the light"
3. driving with little children standing on seat rests and sticking their heads out
of the window
4. letting the children "who were next to be dropped off" wait on the steps
5. one driver uses profane language because he is always late and then in a rush
6. dropping off children in middle of the street and letting them run across the street
7. some schools have a bus teacher..they too are on their cell phone or taking a snooze on their way home
.......need i to continue!!!