Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 7 · column 3 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
Currently, ignoring a police signal to pull over is a Class 3 misdemeanor, but that could all change. Del. Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) is currently chief patron of a bill that would make ignoring police signals a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Furthermore, according to the new bill, if a driver continues to ignore the signal with a willful disregard that interferes with law enforcement or endangers a person, the driver will be guilty of a Class 6 felony. Being convicted on this charge could result in a license suspension of up to one year as well as other penalties.
The bill, number 1677, is being reviewed by the Virginia House of Delegates.
—By Andrew Price
Caputo wants teens to hang up and drive
For many teenage drivers across Virginia, learning to talk on their cell phones while behind the wheel is as essential a driving skill as anything taught in driver’s education. But one Virginia lawmaker is hoping to prohibit cell phone use by new drivers while they are driving.
Del. C. Charles “Chuck” Caputo (D-Chantilly) is proposing a law that would make it illegal for those who hold learner’s permits and provisional licenses to use any kind of wireless telecommunications device while operating a moving vehicle. Use of the devices would still be allowed in emergencies or when the vehicle is stationary.
“It’s obvious that this is a source of distraction for young drivers,” Caputo said. “It seems to me that our attention should be paramount on safety.”
Caputo said the proposed bill has received support among his constituents. The bill is awaiting a hearing in a House of Delegates transportation subcommittee.
“I think it’s a good idea. Talking on the phone causes a lot of accidents,” said Fairfax resident Rebecca Saalbach, 16. “I’ve heard stories about people who actually have their licenses crashing into the back of a bus or something.”
Fairfax resident Emily Lichstrahl, 15, agrees with Saalbach. “It really distracts
91.5%