 | Officer Richard Vickers
is a 14-year veteran of the Wichita Police Department. He is currently assigned to the Patrol East Bureau as a Traffic Officer and he is also a member of the Department's Critical Accident Team. Officer Vickers is assigned to Patrol East and can be reached at (316) 688-9331. |
Wichita Police Department
2004-07-01 15:01:00
Cell phones and their use...
Question: Is it illegal to use your cell phone while driving? If so, is it okay to pull onto the shoulder of the road when on the phone?
ANSWER: The City of Wichita does not have a specific ordinance making the use of a cell phone while driving illegal; however, it does have an ordinance regarding careless driving. While technology is a wonderful thing and in many ways makes our lives easier, it has been a contributing cause to car crashes because drivers are busy talking on their cell phones and not paying attention to their driving.Many of today's cell phones are equipped with Internet and photo capabilities. The phones are becoming smaller and smaller thus causing drivers to concentrate more on the phone and less on the road. Again, although there is not a specific law prohibiting the use of a cell phone while driving, if a driver using a cell phone cannot maintain safe control of his/her vehicle then that driver could receive a citation for careless driving, or in the event of an accident, inattentive driving. City Code 11.38.170 Careless Driving states "no driver while driving shall engage in any other activity, which interferes with the safe control of his vehicle." If a person has a car crash while talking on a cell phone, City Code 11.38.175 Inattentive Driving could apply. It states, "any driver whose vehicle, because of his driving error or negligent inattention, collides with another vehicle, a person or fixed object, shall be deemed guilty of inattentive driving and in violation of this section." If you must use your cell phone, pull over and park until you have completed your phone call. Technology is nice, but it's not worth risking your health or property. It is everyone's responsibility to keep our streets safe; please do your part by focusing on your driving and not your phone.
