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Sedona Rules Hands Off Phones While Driving

Article submitted by the City of Sedona

Article submitted by the City of Sedona

Sedona AZ (August 27, 2014) – A new City Code approved by the Sedona City Council restricting the use of portable communication devices while driving became effective August 22, 2014. The new ordinance states:

“A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a portable communications device to engage in a call unless that device is configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is uses exclusively in that manner while driving. Texting and typing while operating a motor vehicle are banned.”

The new City Code is similar to one that was enacted by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors in April 2014. The purpose of the new code is to increase traffic safety and to encourage healthy and safe driving behavior throughout the community. The ordinance does not apply when a driver is making a call to notify a police or fire department, a hospital or a physician’s office, or an ambulance about an emergency situation. It also does not apply when a person is operating a motor vehicle on private property or when the driver is parked on the roadway in a safe and legal portion of the roadway.

To ensure that our community is informed and educated about the new code, Sedona Police Officers will only be issuing verbal warnings to drivers who are in violation of the new ordinance during the next 6 months. Additionally, the Police Department will be collaborating with a Sedona Citizen Engagement group to develop additional suggestions and insight on maintaining community awareness on the new ordinance as well as hazards associated with distracted driving. The group will also assist the department with identifying effective enforcement strategies.

Distracted driving is a significant issue across the United States. Recent studies and research have found that:

  • Engaging in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing and texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increased the risk of getting into a crash by three times.
  • Cell phone use was reported in 18% of distraction-related fatalities in America.
  • Texting takes your eyes off the road for nearly 5 seconds – At 55 MPH that’s like driving the entire length of a football field blindfolded.

Although the State of Arizona has yet to adopt substantial legislation to address the hazardous created by distracted driving, it is hoped that awareness, education and effective enforcement of this new ordinance along with the development of suggestions and actions from the Citizen Engagement group will make traveling along our roadways in Sedona much safer.

Remember…by working together, we can ensure a safer Sedona for all.

Any questions regarding this Community Information Bulletin can be directed to Sedona Police Chief Raymond Cota at (928) 282-3102.

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