STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Hang ‘er up, folks.
Blaine County Sheriff’s officers will begin enforcing Blaine County’s cell phone ordinance, which makes it illegal to use a handheld device while driving a motor vehicle in the county outside city limits.
Ordinance 2016-06 notes that the use of handheld mobile devices while driving can distract the driver, creating hazards for passengers, other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
Press your luck and you’ll get be ticketed with an infraction subject to a $100 fine.
Cell phone ordinance signs have been installed throughout the county to educate and notify the public.
Cell phone usage has also been banned by the cities of Ketchum and Hailey.
“We have given plenty of warnings but we want to make one last announcement before enforcement begins,” said Blaine County Sheriff Steve Harkins. “Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on our roadways. We have seen too many accidents where cell phone usage was likely the cause.”