Charlie Smyth Urbana City Council Ward 1	email: csmyth at charliesmyth.org phone: 367-2813 805 S. Coler, Urbana, IL 61801

Following several cell phone related vehicle deaths, there is strong interest in legislation banning the use of cell phones and similar interactive technologies by drivers of moving vehicles. In conjunction with the parents of Matt Wilhelm (enter Wilhelm), a local bicyclist killed by a cell phone wielding driver, a group has formed to promote both local and state level regulation. If you are interested in helping out, please contact me or the Wilhelms (chaswilhelm at yahoo.com).

The Wilhelms are spearheading a movement to work for legislation and education (see the letter from Chuck and Gloria Wilhelm to the News-Gazette (published Monday 10/23/06). Updates and information can be found on their website, mattslaw.org. They have prepared a response to objections to cell phone legislation and a new summary of current evidence and related news items. Locally, they've collect 1500 signatures and a number of endorsements favoring a cell phone ban while driving.

I am proposing a city level ordinance that would ban cell phones and similar interactive technology by drivers of moving vehicles (draft 4). A state level ordinance is needed for applying more serious consequences to inattentive driving and I've made a stab at this as well though it needs to be put in Illinois Code style (draft 2).

There have been a number of letters and articles in the local press. Here's my rant on why we need to ban driving while yakking or you can read the letters I wrote, one in the News-Gazette and the other in the Daily Illini. In addition, I have to think that one of the reasons that many private companies are banning the use of cell phones (including hands free devices) by employees is the simple fact that they would be liable should an accident occur while the employee is conducting business driving a company vehicle.

For those interested in variuos bike issues including safety, routes, and education, please visit ChampaignCountyBikes.org

Links to a miscellaneous collection of web sites related to cell phones and bicycling safety, and a summary of research conducted in the lab of Art Kramer, University of Illinois including a news release on recent findings.

Revised: 11/11/07