Right decision on cell phone lawsuit

A federal judge recently threw out a lawsuit aimed at overturning Chicago's ordinance prohibiting motorists from using hand-held cell phones. The original class action lawsuit claimed that the more than 25,000 tickets issued to motorists were invalid because there were no signs posted about the 2005 law. Then the lawyer for the plaintiffs questioned the constitutionality of the law saying the law was unclear because it did not define the term "hands free."

It would seem the plaintiffs' attorneys would have us believe that not only is ignorance of the law an excuse for disobeying it, but apparently just being plain ignorant is also now an acceptable excuse. Thankfully, the judge exercised some common sense and dismissed the case, but the furor surrounding the cell phone ban strikes at the core of the lawsuit debate in our culture. It is a clear illustration of the need for individuals to take personal responsibility for their own actions. The cell phone law was passed to make sure motorists keep both hands on the wheel while driving in the city.

Chicago is the largest, but certainly not the first municipality to pass such an ordinance - so there clearly is a precedent for the law. Instead of hitting taxpayers with thousands of dollars in unnecessary lawsuits against the city, let's make the responsible choice to educate ourselves about the laws of the land and then follow them.

Travis Akin

Executive Director

Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch

Marion, IL