Bensalem bans cell phones calls while driving

Attention drivers: Put down your cell phones. That’s the message from Bensalem Township, where it is now illegal to talk or text on a cell phone while driving without some sort of hands-free device. The law will be enforced throughout Bensalem — including on the stretch of I-95 North of Philadelphia.  Fred Harran, the township’s director of public safety, says ignorance will be no excuse for breaking the law. “It happens all throughout communities in the United States,” said Harran.  “We are certainly not going to be putting signs up all over town–that would just be ridiculous.  The truth is, I don’t care if you’re driving from New York to Los Angeles. Don’t be texting and talking on your phone. It’s just dangerous.”Drivers who are parked will be spared. But take heed: stopping at a red light doesn’t count. “This is meant for people that are obviously driving that are plainly visibly texting on their phones or using their phones,” said Harran.  “That’s what this is geared to. It’s not geared to make the general public miserable.  It’s there to provide public safety in our community. If people don’t know how to do it themselves, we’ll be there to help them along.”That “help” will come in the form of $150 to $300 fines.