Friday, March 2, 2012

** Illinois legislators look at banning driver cell phone use in emergency call areas

** Alabama man arrested in connection with hit-and-run death of retired paramedic/firefighter

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Illinois legislators are determining whether or not to pass a bill which would ban driver cell phone use in emergency areas. The Post-Dispatch (Brianna Ehley/February 29) said the potential statute, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Smithton), is a fallback bill from a broader one which would ban drivers using cell phones altogether. Currently, mobiles are not permitted to be used in construction or school zones. Penalties for being caught using a handheld within 500 feet of an emergency scene could sit at around $70 if the legislation passes. Individuals either photographing or taking video while driving through such locales would also be tagged.

** Police in Alabama have arrested a Gulf Shores man believed to be responsible for the hit-and-run death of a retired paramedic/firefighter February 21. Fox10TV (Paige Malone/February 28) said Melvin Dennis Hutcheson, 52, was charged Tuesday with leaving the scene of an accident or death. Other tags could be forthcoming soon. According to the news site, Michael J. Hoeft, 53, was riding a recumbent bike for exercise for his MS when Hutcheson’s SUV allegedly struck him. A memorial service in his memory was held Sunday. The police investigation continues.