8/30/12 'Texting ban' in effect

  • By Nick Sabo
  • August 30, 2012
  • 329
                        
SUMMARY: Use of phones while driving can result in citation, fines Motorists have six months to give up cell phone use before fines of $150 to $300 go into effect. It’s a time period that Millersburg Police Chief Thomas Vaughn hopes drivers will use to break their distracted driving habit, paying more attention to the road than their phones. A law banning the use of cell phones while driving goes into effect Aug. 31. The law makes use of a cell phone while driving a secondary offense, carrying a maximum fine of $150. For drivers under 18, the law is a primary offense and carries a maximum fine of $300. Adults can be charged if an officer observes them using their cell phones while committing another traffic or criminal offense. Drivers under 18 can be stopped and charged if they are observed using their phones. Aside from the obvious distraction of texting or dialing, holding a cell phone takes one hand away from the wheel, giving the driver less control of their vehicle. The law provides for a six month warning period. Using a BlueTooth device to make a call is still legal, as is safely pulling over to use the phone. Vaughn hopes to see a rise in both. “Hopefully, we will see more Bluetooth devices in use. A conversation on a Bluetooth is not any different than having a conversation with a person in the car,” Vaughn said. “If nothing else, I think the law will stress the need to be watching what we’re doing.” The law is aimed at reducing distracted driving. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 31,231 crashes in Ohio in 2009 through 2011 can be attributed to distracted driving. Of these crashes, 74 were fatal and 7,825 resulted in injuries. A judge can convict on the law based on the officer’s observations, similar to Ohio’s seatbelt law. Phone records can be obtained by subpoena, if necessary. Vaughn said he does not believe enforcing the law will be too problematic. “It’s going to be difficult but I don’t think it’s impossible,” Vaughn said. “An officer’s observation is enough, just like in any other case.” A concise breakdown of the law is available on the Wayne County Sheriff’s website, www.waynecountysheriff.com


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