Council approves distracted driving ordinance

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During a December meeting, the City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting distracted driving in school zones.

In 2012, the state of Alabama passed a law that prohibits texting while driving. This ordinance covers a broader area by defining distracted driving as any activity that diverts a person's attention from driving including talking, texting, emailing, reading books, newspapers, pets, loud music, food, etc.

Councilman Steve Ammons said he and others met with School Resources Officers to come up with an ordinance that would protect both children and parents but also the officers directing traffic at each school campus.

"We are in the business of keeping our children safe while they are on campus," Ammons said. "People directing traffic are also in harm's way."

Lt. Brian Gilham stated this is the second year of having an officer at each school. Multiple School Resource Officers in attendance raised their hands when Gilham asked them if they had ever been brushed by a car while directing traffic at one of the local schools.

 "This ordinance gives our officers the authority to address the situations as they see them," he said. "We will try to give as many warnings as possible before issuing the citation."

Gilham emphasized that these are traffic citations that enforce city ordinances, not traffic tickets.

The Board of Education approved the resolution last week.

In other news, the council:

  • Presented a certificate of appreciation to Sara Robicheaux for her time on the Vestavia Hills Library Board
  • Approved an annexation – 90-Day Final – 2429 Dolly Ridge Road; A Portion of Lot 36, Rocky Ridge Estates; Lila P. Williams, Owner; Earl Gibson, Representing
  • Approved a rezoning – 2429 Dolly Ridge Road; A Portion Of Lot 36, Rocky Ridge Estates; Rezone From Jefferson County E-2 (Residential) To Vestavia Hills R-2 (Residential) For Construction Of Two Single-Family Homes; Lila P. Williams, Owner; Earl Gibson, Representing.
  • Gave Conditional Use Approval For Operation Of A Feline Veterinary Clinic;  2409 Acton Road. BRC Dolly Creek Station LLC, Owner; Jackie A. Holmes, DVM, Representing
  •  Appointed a new member to the Vestavia Hills Park And Recreation Board
  • Appointed a new member to the  Vestavia Hills Library Board.
  • Approved  resolution determining that certain Personal Property Is Not Needed For Public Or Municipal Purposes And Directing The Sale/Disposal Of Said Surplus Property
  • Approved a Resolution authorizing the City Manager To Execute and Deliver An Agreement With Wisener, LLC For Consulting Services For The Meadowlawn Estates Acquisition Services