Another city in Ohio bans texting while driving
There may not be a state-wide ban on texting while driving in Ohio, but some cities are moving forward on the issue.
Starting in October 2010, the city of Ontario will no longer allow motorists to exchange text messages or to browse the Internet while driving. Violators will face a $150 fine. Talking on a cell phone while driving will still be permitted.
For council member Mark Weidemyre, such ordinance should reduce the risks of accidents on the city’s streets.
“We’ve had several accidents within the city limits related to texting. One vehicle was traveling 50 miles per hour and rear-ended someone and sent them to the hospital.”
Ontario police Chief Rodney Smith, who supported the ban, said his only concern was enforcing the law.
“I am concerned about the amount of people driving down the road texting. You can see it at different times. Most of the driving out here is at lower speeds. It is concerning for me. The only issue I see from a law enforcement standpoint is how do you differentiate someone texting to someone dialing the phone. I have a concern there and I relayed that to council.”
An Ohio House Bill tentatively tried to outlaw text messaging by all drivers in the 2009-2010 Legislation. It was approved by the House, and died in the Senate.
Source: Mansfield News Journal, August 22, 2010; September 3, 2010
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