Unfortunately, it is not a universal law in the U.S., although the Chicago City Council recently passed an ordinance requiring hands-free cell phones while driving in the city. This has resulted in some interesting comments about those commuting to the city from the suburbs needing to know exactly where the city limits are.
Karen Krupka
Wildman Harrold, Chicago
----Original Message Follows----
From: Ronald Huttner <rshutt@netspace.net.au>
To: Law-Lib List <law-lib@ucdavis.edu>
Subject: Re: Cell Phones & Driving - Reply
Date: Sat, 28 May 2005 12:02:44 +1000
Is it not a punishable offence in the USA to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving a motor vehicle ? It certainly is in all States and Territories of Australia.
Ron Huttner LL.B. (Hons)
(Retired) Barrister, Solicitor and Legal Researcher
Melbourne, Victoria
Australia
On 28/05/2005, at 3:58 AM, Frye, Nanna wrote:
>Happy Friday All!
>
> Maybe some folks at law firms with employment law
>departments can apply some "cutting edge" answers to my
query. I
>recently received a phone call from a Lexis rep and it was apparent
>from the swishing sound in the background that she was driving
>while she was talking. I asked the Lexis person about this who
>verified that she was driving. I told her I felt "very
>uncomfortable" about having this conversation since this was not a
>"quick answer" type of call but her reply was "I can handle it."
>
> Of course, if she had gotten in an accident, Lexis would be
> a defendant in the resulting lawsuit because the Lexis rep was
>conducting business while driving the vehicle. Are employers now
>creating cell phone usage
policies to govern situations such as
>this? Would someone at Lexis please tell me their policy? I felt
>uncomfortable at that time and several days later, it still bothers
>me so I have decided for myself that I will no longer accept such
>phone calls.
>
> Nanna Frye, Law Librarian
> Court of Appeal
> San Diego, CA
>
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