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Ten distracted drivers warned in Hinsdale
Updated: April 1, 2013 6:11AM
HINSDALE — Police have stopped just 10 people for distracted driving under a new ordinance.
The Village Board voted in December to prohibit people from driving while distracted, if it results in a traffic violation. The board agreed to a six-month introductory period during which officers would only warn distracted drivers they observe commit a moving violation.
The first warning was issued Jan. 3, said Deputy Police Chief Mark Wodka. As of Feb. 20, nine more were issued.
The underlying offense, which is the basis for the traffic stop, was a stop sign violation in five cases; speeding in three cases; one signaling violation; and an insurance violation. The driver with the insurance violation apparently also committed another traffic maneuver which attracted the officer’s attention, Wodka said.
Wodka did not have information about what activity was distracting each driver. The village ordinance identifies talking on a cellular phone, reading, grooming or interacting with pets among possible distractions.
After the introductory period, distracted drivers will be fined $75.
Although none of the 10 drivers stopped under the new ordinance was fined the $75, the three drivers who were caught speeding were issued citations with fines for that offense, Wodka said.~.
