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Governor signs bill restricting cell phones, allowing red-light cameras

Mar 24, 2007 12:00 AM (619 days ago) by Joe Rogalsky, The Examiner
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Related Topics: WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Young drivers will have to hang up cell phones when they get behind the wheel under legislation Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine signed into law Friday.

The measure prohibits 16- and 17-year-olds with conditional licenses from using phones while driving. If they have an emergency requiring a phone call, the teen must pull off the road or into a parking lot.

“I believe this is a common-sense restriction on those new drivers who may be tempted to pay more attention to phone calls and text messages than the road, endangering themselves and other drivers,” Kaine said. Sen. Jay O’Brien, R-Fairfax, spent three years trying to get the ban through the legislature and to Kaine’s desk. An increasing number of crashes involving drivers distracted by cell phones made the difference this year, O’Brien said.

“Legislators have seen in their district that needless cell phone use causes senseless accidents and fatalities,” he said. “You think [teens] are invincible, but they have to understand they need to hang up the cell phone when they are learning to drive.”

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Kaine also signed legislation allowing localities to install cameras at intersections to catch red-light runners. Local governments would decide whether to use the cameras in their jurisdictions and would have to install signs within 500 feet of the intersections informing motorists of the cameras’ presence. The violations are considered civil, so the transgression will not appear on a driver’s record, and fines are limited to $50. Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church and Vienna stopped using the cameras in 2005 when lawmakers failed to pass legislation reauthorizing the devices.

“This legislation allows local law enforcement to determine if, and where, cameras might help improve highway safety,” Kaine said. “The research indicates this enforcement tool will help increase traffic flow, reduce accidents and save lives.”

Just as O’Brien needed multiple years to convince legislators to pass the cell phone restrictions, Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, R-Vienna, reintroduced the red-light legislation for several years before it passed both chambers in February.

jrogalsky@dcexaminer.com

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9:10 AM MST on Sat., Nov. 15, 2008 re: "U.S. Attorney for D.C. confirmed to new post at Justice Department"

txjwrqku lhitfvds said:
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4:58 PM MST on Wed., Sep. 3, 2008 re: "Former assistant principal sues schools"

STUDENT said:
mr.oei has made the name of our school bad. now that he has done this everyone will now bout freedom high school but not in a good way. they will always know it as the school with the bad V.P.

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7:46 AM MST on Thu., Aug. 21, 2008 re: "White Marsh apartment tenants sue management company"

Rose Johnson said:
I read the complaints about Ross Ridge apartments,I moved in April 22 of this year.I am having the same problems,I have not seen any mice yet and I live on the bottom floor.My air conditioner was leaking and they left nasty brown stains on my wall which have not been fixed yet,2 months ago.My carpet is wet by the door where the air conditioner is.My bathroom has mold and water stains all over the ceiling above shower head,and stain marks streaking all the way down the tile.I was told there is a leak upstairs and that needed to fixed first before they could fix mine,but that was 2 1/2 weeks ago.Also there is mold around the ceiling along with the water spots.My refrigerator door was not shutting for a month,and was leaving cold air out ,running more than it should have,the light stayed on constantly,open the door and water flys out at you.Took door off and said to take out light bulb.Well frig is still dripping.dishwasher is not bolted to counter,it falls out.They do not fix anything.

5 agree | 5 disagree
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2:02 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "White Marsh apartment tenants sue management company"

Examiner Reader said:
Does anyone have an update on the ongoing suit of Ross Ridge Apartments being sued by tenants? Does anyone here know of someone that currently lives there? Has Ross Ridge made any changes or renovations to their apartments? Thank you in advance for your response.

233 agree | 235 disagree
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2:00 PM MST on Wed., Oct. 24, 2007 re: "White Marsh apartment tenants sue management company"

Examiner Reader said:
Does anyone have any update on Ross Ridge Apartments being sued by tenants? Thank you.

213 agree | 219 disagree
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12:18 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "White Marsh apartment tenants sue management company"

Examiner Reader said:
I currently live in Morgan Properties Towson Crossing Apartments. I have been complaining about the mice infestation for over 2 years now. I was told the infestation was because of the renovations. They even put in there newsletter ways to control the infestation by using peppermint oil. This was something I told them I was trying. The exterminator they sent even said there are alot of holes around the baseboard of the floors that needs repairs. With our cheap renovation which consisted of spray painting the bathroom tub and shower, we also got new carpet in the halls, new number signs outside the apt building but no concern, help or remedy to the infestation.

279 agree | 236 disagree
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6:59 PM MST on Fri., Sep. 21, 2007 re: "White Marsh apartment tenants sue management company"

Examiner Reader said:
whats the status of this case... I live in the apartments now and am having the same problems

308 agree | 281 disagree
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9:55 AM MST on Tue., Jul. 10, 2007 re: "White Marsh apartment tenants sue management company"

Examiner Reader said:
Towson Crossings Apartments Tenants (Morgan Properties) are experiencing the same horrific living conditions! This morning one of the tenants posted a message in reference to the tenants moving out and the rodents moving in. Ignored work requests, filthy surroundings, trash and filth;I have encountered mice, waterbugs, roaches, crickets, spiders, in less than a month in my newly renovated $880+ top floor, 2-bedroom apartment. I'm so tired of tip toeing through my apartment out of fear of seeing/stepping on something. Its nerve wrecking for someone who maintains cleanliness, work hard to have to find peace outside of "what's considered home". Terrified Unhappy Tenant of Towson Crossings

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