North Bend considers driver cell-phone ban

Gabbing behind the wheel could soon be illegal in North Bend.

If its City Council approves an ordinance banning cell-phone use while driving, this community will become the first in the state with such a law.

Leading the charge is Ed Carlson, a North Bend councilman and chairman of the city's two-person Public Safety Committee. Earlier this week, Carlson and Councilman Fred Rappin, the other half of the committee, agreed to put the ordinance before the council for a vote Nov. 6.

Carlson said Councilwoman Elaine Webber had pledged her support, securing a third vote and a majority on the council.

North Bend Mayor Joan Simpson, who only casts tiebreaking votes, and Councilman Mark Sollitto have said they oppose the ban, according to Carlson. The council's fifth member, Jim Gildersleeve, hasn't made up his mind, Carlson said.

"It's been an uphill fight, and I've spent a lot of time trying to educate everybody," said Carlson, pointing to New York state and a dozen cities around the country that have banned drivers from using handheld cell phones because of safety concerns.

Seattle City Councilman Jim Compton has discussed such a ban but has not introduced a proposal.

North Bend police wouldn't set cell-phone traps or search for those who talk while driving, Carlson said. The law would be "just another arrow in the law-enforcement quiver" and would let officers check phone records if they suspected cell-phone chat had contributed to an accident, he said.

If a driver was caught crossing lanes without signaling or committing other violations with a phone against his ear, there would be a $75 ticket on top of fines.