COUNCIL SUPPORTS CELL-PHONE BAN BILL.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

The City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to consider a law banning motorists from using hand-held cell phones - a measure also being considered by state legislators.

Saying it was a matter of public safety, the council voted to support Assembly Bill 45 - which would allow drivers to use cell phones only with hands-free devices - and to ask its transportation committee to study the feasibility of a citywide ban.

``I think this is important enough that we should look at making this a law in the city and not wait for the state,'' Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski said. ``The city has taken action on its own in the past and others have followed, like with our bans on smoking in restaurants. This could be the same thing.''

The council said it wanted more information before implementing such a ban as well as on a proposal from Councilwoman Janice Hahn to require city employees to use only hands-free devices in city cars.

``We shouldn't wait until we see what the state does,'' Hahn said. ``Anytime you have a cell phone in your hand and try to have a quick reaction, it's a distraction. Hands-free is the only way to go. I think Los Angeles should be the city to take one step more for our city family.''

However, council members said they wanted more information on the cost to provide the devices. Officials said they also had to determine the number of cell phones the city has for its workers.

The state measure, authored by Assemblyman Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, has cleared the Assembly but been blocked in the state Senate Transportation Committee. There has been opposition voiced that the measure is unfairly singling out the cellular industry.

``We think there is evidence that cell phone use is the No. 1 cause of distracted drivers,'' Simitian said. ``We can't fix all the problems, but this is one that can be fixed at a relatively small cost.

``We think most of the public will support this, and getting support from Los Angeles is tremendously helpful as a sign of the broad public support there is for this measure.''

Councilman Tony Cardenas, who previously served in the Assembly, said there were concerns because cell phones were only one potential distraction.

``What's next? Singing while you drive? What do you do about kids and people who eat in their cars?'' said Cardenas, who nevertheless voted to support the council action.

Councilman Dennis Zine, a retired LAPD sergeant assigned to traffic duties, said driver distraction is the major cause of crashes.

Rick Orlov, [phone]

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com