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Local NewsQuestion Over Texting Ban EnforcementBy Katie DeLong
KENOSHA - No more text messaging behind the wheel in Kenosha.
The city council passed the ban Monday night.
Now, the challenge is figuring out how to make drivers obey the law.
The mayor, police and even city council members who voted for the ban think it’s a great idea, but how will it be enforced.
When the school day’s done at Kenosha Tremper High…out come the car keys and the cell phones.
“I’m a good driver,” Tremper H.S. senior Richard Preston said.
Preston admits he multi-tasks behind the wheel.
“I can text and drive,” Preston said.
Yet it was one of this school’s own teachers who used his position on the city council to pass a ban.
TODAY’S TMJ4’s Tom Murray: “What do you say to the student who says Mr. Orth, I can handle texting and driving at the same time.”
“I tell them ‘no, you can’t,’” Michael Orth said.
Orth hopes drivers will simply fess up.
“Most people, when they’re confronted by a police officer for a traffic stop or whatever the case may be, they will tell truth,” Orths aid.
If police do catch you… the fine is $150… $500 if you cause an accident, but it could tough for cops to spot drivers in the act, and Chief John Morissey isn’t finding much help from other communities with similar bans.
“How do you enforce it? I received one call back today and they said it’s been on the books for a year now and they’ve only written two tickets,” Chief Morissey said.
Back at Tremper, Preston says the law itself is enough to change his habits.
“I’m not going to get a ticket over it,” Preston said.
The police chief will be meeting with judges to find out if an officer issuing a ticket based on simply spotting a driver texting will stand up in court.
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