I was away visiting my folks in Oregon this past week and was listening to the Paul Harvey show on Dec. 21 and was amazed to hear Paul referring to an insane new ordinance passed by the city of North Bend. I later heard it on CBS News, as well. I immediately requested a copy of the ordinance when I got home because I was sure Paul Harvey must have been mistaken. Wow! To my surprise, he was right.

As I read through the ordinance (No. 1136) I was appalled that the city of North Bend can take time to pass ordinances such as this, but they can’t solve really hazardous problems such as getting a second stoplight in town.

Ordinance No. 1136 says that you can’t drive a vehicle while distracted. Huh? You can’t be yelling at your kids or picking your nose or drinking that latte, which you picked up from Espresso Time. One clause is “applying make-up, shaving, combing, or attending to other forms of personal grooming; or interactions with passengers or pets.” In others words, pulling a hair out of your nose can cost you up to $300. Babies crying or kids fighting in the car can cost you up to $300 if you get into an accident because of it. What drivers get into an accident who are not distracted? Many, thanks to the council and mayor of North Bend for finally getting the city some national name recognition.

Dan Kirby

North Bend