Luzerne dials up $75 cell phone fines

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BILL O ’ BOYLE

LUZERNE — If you’re driving and talking on your cell phone and about to enter Luzerne Borough, hang up or risk paying a hefty fine.

The borough council approved an ordinance in August banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving in the town. The ordinance has been in effect since Sept. 1.
Luzerne is the first municipality in Luzerne County to enact a cell-phone ban, said Michael Jancuska, council president.
“Some people think they can text a novel to their buddy while they are driving,” Jancuska said. “It’s a big distraction. If we can save one person’s life, I think it’s well worth the effort.”
Violators will face a $75 fine if caught. Luzerne no longer has a police force; the borough contracts with Swoyersville for its police coverage.
After three months, Jancuska said, “I’m not aware of anyone being nabbed yet.”
Last Tuesday, downtown Luzerne was fairly busy. Several cars drove by Mary’s Lunch on Main Street with several drivers happily engaged in conversation on their cell phones. No police cars were around.
“We have a contract with Swoyersville,” Jancuska said. “We set the rules; the police are expected to enforce them.”
Swoyersville Police Chief Thomas DiMaria was not available for comment.
Warren Sutton, a 22-year-old construction worker, stopped at Mary’s for lunch. He said the ordinance is a good idea and all towns should follow Luzerne’s lead.
“Maybe this will keep people’s minds on the road,” Sutton said.
He said that if his cell phone rings, he will pull over to talk or just return the call later.
Joe Bugjo of Plymouth said the ordinance won’t affect him much.
“If my phone rings, I’m probably going to answer it,” he said. “I’ll just put my phone on open speaker.”
As the lunch crowd filtered into Mary’s, Kendra Wicht, a waitress, said most of her customers have not complained about the new ordinance.
“I’ve heard a few comments, but none of them have been negative,” Wicht, 29, said. “Hey, we all got along just fine before cell phones.” She said young people try to text while driving and that could cause them to be distracted.
Kathy Burakiewicz of Plymouth said she doesn’t use her cell phone that much when she is driving.
“I could see how texting could cause an accident,” she said.
That’s why the ordinance came about, said Jancuska.
“Council had several conversations about this issue,” he said. “Several council members said they had witnessed near-misses due to people texting on their cell phones. That brought our concern to a head; it’s a matter of safety.”
Gloria Kijek, borough secretary, said residents have not complained about the cell-phone ban.
“Most of them think it’s a great idea,” she said.
The ordinance passed at the Aug. 12 meeting of council. Jancuska, Tony Perzia, Judy Gober and Gerald Storz voted for it. Joseph Lyons and Mary Ellen Schell were absent.
The crowd at Mary’s said the state should adopt the same rule. The Legislature is considering a possible law — House Bill 2070 — that would prohibit cell-phone texting while driving.
The state House Transportation Committee has approved the proposed new law that could be enacted by the end of the year.