In Berea, Ohio, a city ordinance to ban texting while driving failed in the past, as it was expected that the state would come up with a law on the issue.  Since Ohio lawmakers are slow to make a move, the city council is considering the ban once again.

Councilman Nick Hascka brought the issue back on the table recently to the city’s Public Safety Committee.  The proposed measure, which would focus on prohibiting texting while driving in the city, is a secondary offense.  Therefore, police officers will not be able to pull over a driver unless they can issue a ticket for another violation before issuing one for texting while driving.

The proposal was well received by other council members.

“It’s far too dangerous,” said Councilwoman Cheryl A. Banaszak. “My father was in an accident due to the other person texting.  We need to do something.”

For Police Chief Mark Schultz, all driving distractions such as texting while driving are a problem.

“I think having this law would be helpful in alerting public attention to the dangers of texting while driving,” Schultz said. “It’s a way to show that texting is a distraction.”

The proposal should be heard be the council this month.  If adopted, the city plans to put up signs to alert motorists of the new texting ban.

Source: Cleveland Sun News, December 6, 2010

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