Secondary links

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Sponsors
  • Help - FAQ

Send us newsAnonymous Tips Welcome

The Batavian
Online News. Community Views.
  • Home
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Announcements
  • Obituaries
  • Forums
  • People
  • Jobs
  • Buy/Sell/Trade
  • Housing
innovative_business_170x90.gif

User login

  • Create new account
  • Request new password

glitzandglamour_170x90.jpg

select_collision_170x90.gif

Our Towns

Alabama Alexander
Attica Batavia
Bergen Bethany
Byron Darien
Elba LeRoy
Oakfield Pavilion
Pembroke Stafford

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St. Batavia, N.Y.

Recent comments

  • I praise all the law...
    by Bob Harker
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
    by DOUGLAS MCCLURG
  • who was that guy "And now...
    by DOUGLAS MCCLURG
  • Congratulations to these...
    by Janice Stenman
  • A great reminder! The "early"...
    by Amy Davis
  • Then you can drive to either...
    by kevin kretschmer
  • Southside Deli -- locally...
    by Howard Owens
  • It just came across our fire...
    by Justin Burger
  • Tops...
    by kevin kretschmer
  • Where in Batavia can I buy...
    by Bob Harker

Recent posts

  • Perception is not reality
  • Evidence hearing in arson case touches on whether police and parole cooperated too much
  • Hawley delivers copy of farm worker book to colleagues in Albany
  • Fire reported off Cook Road in Byron
  • Motorcyclist reportedly struck on Ellicott
  • Yancey's Fancy earns Gold Medal in world's biggest cheese contest
  • Batavia Police investigating home invasion burglary
  • Batavia's Richmond Library holds 'Family Primetime Story Hour' on Thursday evenings
  • Batavia Players give Shakespeare's 'Richard III' a contemporary twist
  • Zambito to be new county attorney; Bergen's Bausch to represent District 2
more

3Dwine_spirits_170x90.jpg

moviesinmotion_170x90.gif

Barrett's Batavia Marine & Sporting Supplies

color_salon_floater_170x90.gif

Featured Topics

  • Outdoors
  • Recipes
  • Music
  • Agriculture
  • Schools
  • Health

countryhill_winter_170x90.jpg

Site Sponsors

  • 3 D Wine & Spirits
  • Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle
  • Affordable Floor Covering
  • Alberty Drug Store
  • Alex's Place
  • American Home Remodeling
  • Anglican Community Church
  • Baker's Frontier Kitchens
  • Barrett's Batavia Marine and Sporting Supplies
  • Batavia Downs Casino
  • Blue Pearl Yoga
  • Bonarigo & McCutcheon
  • Bontrager's Auction
  • Bontrager's Real Estate
  • Carlson's Studio
  • Cedar St. Sales and Rentals
  • Center Street Smokehouse
  • Charles Men's Shop
  • Classic Home Improvements
  • The Color Salon
  • Country Cottage
  • Crazy Cheap Cars
  • D&R Depot Restaurant
  • Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern
  • Dog Grooming
  • The Enchanted Florist
  • Fastec Automotive
  • Genesee Dental Group
  • Glitz and Glamour
  • Great Kutz
  • Hair Studio 25
  • H.E. Turner & Co.
  • Holland Land Office Museum
  • House of K
  • The Insurance Center
  • Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's
  • John's Service Station
  • Ken Barrett
  • KleenAll
  • L.C. Mosman
  • Lamb Family Medicine
  • Lawley Genesee
  • Lewis and Lewis
  • Main St. Pizza Company
  • The Mane Attraction
  • Margarita's 
  • Mark Lewis Agency
  • Matteo & Mullen, CPA
  • Matty's Pizzeria
  • Max Pies
  • Movies in Motion
  • Neptune's Garden
  • Next Level Fitness
  • O'Lacy's Irish Pub
  • Oliver's Candies
  • Optique
  • Pauly's Pizza
  • Pellegrino Auto Sales
  • Present Tense Books
  • Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center
  • Roxy's Music Store
  • Sallome's Italian Deli
  • Select Collision
  • Settler's
  • Sloat Tire
  • Small World Realty
  • South Main Country Store
  • St. Joseph's School
  • St. Paul's Pre-School
  • Southside Deli
  • T.F. Brown's
  • Valle Jewelers
  • WNY Fireplace Outlet
  • Wortzman Furniture

Crime stats for 2008 show incidents down slightly

Posted by Howard Owens on April 25, 2009 - 12:51pm
Tagged in
  • batavia
  • police
Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly versionSend to friendSend to friend

Contrary to the perception that crime is on the rise because of the recession, in the City of Batavia, crime actually went down in 2008 versus 2007.

Calls for service in the city dropped from 17,707 to 15,854; however, serious crime reports were virtually unchanged, with 502 reported cases in 2008 versus 509 in 2007

Motor vehicle accidents involving personal injury increased from 89 in 2007 to 103 in 2008. There were no fatal accidents in 2008.

You can read the full press release (PDF) by clicking here.

  • Howard Owens
  • Login or register to post comments
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Mark Potwora on April 25, 2009 - 1:51pm
1800 traffic tickets.1300 of those for parking..56 were dwi's ..average..about 5 a day..I see more than 5 people a day talking on the cell phone and driving..doesn't seem like much to me..
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Peter O'Brien on April 26, 2009 - 7:05pm
The cell phone law is garbage and shouldn't be enforced.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Chris Olin on April 26, 2009 - 7:56pm
Agreed.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Lori Ann Santini on April 26, 2009 - 8:02pm
Unfortunately I disagree with the thought that the cell phone law is "garbage". How many deaths have we seen recently because of people talking or texting while driving. You may not like it but I am infuriated every time my life or my childrens lives are put in danger because someone has to talk while driving. I have had MANY near misses. It galls me even more when I am driving the ambulance in emergency mode and a person doesn't pull to the right as is the law because they are to preoccupied with the conversation they are having. Hit the ignore button, let it ring or pull over to answer it. Just get off the road. Save a life.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Peter O'Brien on April 26, 2009 - 8:15pm
How many time have people taken their eyes off the road to look at something else? Thats a lot more distracting then a cell phone.

A near miss is a hit. Otherwise its a miss or near hit.

The world is over populated anyways.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Chris Olin on April 26, 2009 - 8:23pm
You don't need to take your eyes off the road to hold a cellphone up to your ear. Period.

Texting while driving is a separate issue.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Lori Ann Santini on April 26, 2009 - 8:40pm
Its the fact that you aren't concentrating on the road or the things happening around you the way that you should be. I agree that there are alot of other distractions out there. My kids are a perfect example. They are always asking questions. However it is extremely rude to risk someones life over something that is illegal. It is pretty hard to swerve to miss something if you are holding onto a phone. Likewise it is easy to drift when you aren't paying attention. We can argue this until the cows come home. You will have your opinion and I will have mine. I respect that. It's like drinking and driving. Your ability is impaired.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Chris Olin on April 26, 2009 - 10:40pm
I've lost all desire to argue on this site. Nothing against you personally.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Mark Potwora on April 26, 2009 - 10:46pm
My point was that they aren't handing out to many cell phone tickets...And i agree with Lori...you don't pay attention to your driving if you are on a cell phone...i see it all the time,change lanes without looking,make turns without looking..cut people off...weave in out of lanes...and for some reason the City of Batavia police don't seem to enforce the law...1300 parking tickets dont seem as serious as cell phones..i havent heard of too many illegally parked cars causing accidents...
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Peter O'Brien on April 27, 2009 - 5:29am
I am going to keep talking on my phone and texting while I drive and surfing the internet and checking my email.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Lori Ann Santini on April 27, 2009 - 10:57am
Then Mr OBrien you are a selfish individual that is only concerned about yourself. May you not kill anyone else by your actions. I hope that law enforcement or the DA see your arrogant statement and pay attention.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Peter O'Brien on April 27, 2009 - 11:31am
Let them, you are assuming I will be caught. Selfishness is what makes America great. It is through the selfish action of wanting to improve my lot in life that I am able to advance in my career and put food on the table. Its through channeled greed that this country is the single best in the world.

Support America, Support Selfishness, Destroy Socialism.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Karen Miconi on April 27, 2009 - 12:04pm
Peter, just please be careful while driving, and multi tasking on your phone. Your being a little harsh. I wouldnt want you to put my innocent, little girl in jepordy, while driving down Main St. Thats what *isses me off the most. Drivers that don't care about the others vechicles. I followed a Road Rager all the way to his home on 98. He fled to the barn in the back, and tryed to hide. What a DOOFIS He swerved right at my drivers rear door where Angelina was sitting. Ya Don't Mess With a Mama Tiger and Her Cubs.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Beth Kinsley on April 27, 2009 - 11:56am
Hah! That puts a funny picture in my head. I bet you scared the hell out of that guy.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Karen Miconi on April 27, 2009 - 12:02pm
I DID, HEEEEEHAAAAAAA***** My hubby was dieing laughing, and begged me to drive away. hheeeehaaaa You made me laugh today. Have a good one!!
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by daniel cherry on April 27, 2009 - 12:53pm
people have talked on cb radios for a long time.I think texting while driving, would be more distracting.It is a very hard law to enforce.I think i would have a hands free device.Or blue tooth.I do see alot of people on the cell phone.I also see alot of people run red lights.When the boys and i are riding our bikes,I tell them make sure to see if they are going to stop first.Alot do not and we'd have been hit many times.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Howard Owens on April 27, 2009 - 1:41pm
One of the main things that bugs me about the hands free law (and I don't like it all that much anyway, even though I nearly always use an earpiece) is how often I see law enforcement officers driving and talking on their mobile phones. I've often wondered if I could get away with a citizen's arrest ...
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Gabor Deutsch on April 27, 2009 - 2:08pm
If a law enforcement officer is on duty thats an exception to the rule. If said official causes harm do to this then they are subjected to same said law...
It makes a good case for upgrading all law enforcement to include hands free equipment !
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Howard Owens on April 27, 2009 - 2:15pm
Gabor, thing is us average citizens have no idea if he's making an official call or just gabbing with his girlfriend.

And even if an official call, he should pull over to the side of the road to set an example and to remain consistent with the laws he is swore to uphold.

If it were an emergency situation, the officer would not be using a commercial mobile phone. And I'm not even sure law enforcement departments supply officers with mobile phones.

One last note: To be fair, I have yet to see any Genesee County LE personnel talking on a phone while driving, but plenty on Monroe County.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Gabor Deutsch on April 27, 2009 - 2:25pm
If you get an in dash camera, and some phone records I would say you have a good case. I wouldnt want to be the one to call a law enforcement officer out on a citizen arrest. You can get a bluetooth ear piece for 25 bucks !
I see many people on their phones daily. I just make sure I dont get hit !
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by daniel cherry on April 27, 2009 - 2:28pm
Howard the police can get away with it.Who will arrest them??
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Andrew Erbell on April 27, 2009 - 2:33pm
Howard, you would be wrong in that assumption. They use them all the time for that expressed purpose. Just about everyone has a scanner but it's far more difficult for JQ Public to listen in on PD cell conversations and know exactly who you're monitoring.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Chris Olin on April 27, 2009 - 2:59pm
Howard, you aren't the only one that's thought about pulling off a citizen's arrest.

The hands-free law is a pain for me because my phone (Palm Centro) has limited voice dialing features. I can't initiate voice dialing over a bluetooth earpiece. I have to hit a side button bound to the program that lets me voice dial numbers. I still have to bring the phone up to my mouth. Only when I'm in a phone call does the phone switch inputs to the bluetooth headset.

The last is keeping the earpiece on me is such a pain in the ass, to be honest. I don't have to divert much attention to talk to someone and my focus on the road doesn't change.

All the law does is hinder the majority of people that can drive and talk at the same time. I've had a few people suggest a specific traffic violation that you're hit with if you get into an accident while on/using a cellphone, instead of just getting a ticket for being on a cellphone.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Chris Olin on April 27, 2009 - 3:04pm
Double post. Whoops.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Mark Potwora on April 27, 2009 - 3:41pm
I saw a school bus driver today talking on a cell phone with kids on the bus...Chris i understand your objection to the law ..but if they only gave you a ticket after you had a accident,isn't that to late..
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Andrew Erbell on April 27, 2009 - 4:09pm
School Bus Drivers are another matter entirely. I believe he/she would not only get a ticket but likely lose his/her CDL.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by bud prevost on April 27, 2009 - 4:10pm
Peter- while I most certainly agree capitalism trumps socialism, there needs to be moderation, as with everything. If I'm not mistaken,(and I'm not) channeled greed and selfishness are exactly why we're in the mess we're in! UAW workers didn't make enough...CEOs scrape by on 10 million a year...wall street fatcats gambled and lost their previous winnings...NOW WE ARE PAYING FOR IT!!! There has to be middle ground.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Peter O'Brien on April 27, 2009 - 5:43pm
No the rest of the market collapsed around forced government loans to people who can't afford them. That isn't greed that's government regulation forcing private enterprise to not work in its best interest.

BTW I was able to bid and win an ebay auction today on my drive home. I then took two phone calls from my fiance.
  • Login or register to post comments
Posted by Chris Olin on April 27, 2009 - 9:46pm
@ Mark, if you're under the assumption that driving and talking at the same time is wrong, then yes.

Reality is that a good amount of people can hold a conversation while driving and keep paying attention.

Most people that downplay talking on a cellphone and driving at the same time seem to be people that either have never tried it, or suck at driving in the first place and never learned how to turn and swerve with one hand.
WBTA AM-1490 Batavia, New York

Calendar

«  

March

  »
S M T W T F S
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8
 
9
 
10
 
11
 
12
 
13
 
14
 
15
 
16
 
17
 
18
 
19
 
20
 
21
 
22
 
23
 
24
 
25
 
26
 
27
 
28
 
29
 
30
 
31
 
 
 
 

Login or register to add an event
  • Batavia's St. James Episcopal Church hosts fish fry
    March 19, 2010 - 4:30pm - 6:00pm
  • Coin,Toy and Model auction at Bontrager's Auction Center
    March 19, 2010 - 6:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Genesee Chorale presents 'An Irish Celebration'
    March 19, 2010 - 7:00pm - 10:00pm
  • 'Maple Weekend' in Alexander, Darien
    March 20, 2010 - 10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Lego Club meeting at Batavia's Richmond Memorial Library
    March 20, 2010 - 10:00am - 11:00am
more
hawley_floater120x240.gif
margaritas_120x240.gif


The Batavian on Facebook

delevans_floater_120x240.gif
enchantedflorist_sunflowers_120x240.jpg
mattys_wingHQ_120x240.gif
optique_50off_120x240.jpg
matteo_mullen_floater_250x120.gif
Copyright © 2009 The Batavian. Some Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license.
Contact: Howard Owens, publisher (howard (at) the batavian dot com);(585)260-6970