COLUMBUS (AP) — Lawmakers, police and families met on the lawn of the Ohio Statehouse to rally in support of a measure to ban texting while driving.
An estimated 75 people showed up today to bolster the bill, which would make it a minor misdemeanor to text while driving.
The proposal’s sponsors were joined by representatives of central Ohio police departments, local politicians and the daughter of a man killed when he was hit by a texting driver.
Under the bill, a violation would be punishable by a fine of up to $150. The measure would allow for a motorist to be stopped for texting alone.
If it becomes law, Ohio would join 30 states and the District of Columbia in banning texting for all drivers.
Comments
if you drink and drive you lose your license for six months and pay a huge fine. texting and driving is as dangerous and should carry the same penalties.
I agree, idchian. Impaired driving is impaired driving.
I don't even think talking on the phone while driving should be legal - it's been proven to impair the driver's abilities, too.
I don't support this 1 bit. Do put a ban on just texting is not enough. Make this bill have some teeth. Ban texting, eating, putting make-up on, shaving, etc while you are driving.
Passing a bill like this is like making it illegal to make guns, but not to buy them. This really is just a half azzed effort by the state.
NoBS, I do agree about talking on the phone also. I talk on the phone while I drive, but I went hands free a few years ago. I use my blue tooth all the time and I think more drivers should.