Posted on 04/06/2010 4:01:13 PM PDT by mlocher
Cols sez u cant txt & drv after 5/5.
City Council members approved a texting-while-driving ban last night within Columbus' 225 square miles. It will go into effect May 5 on all streets and highways within the city's boundaries.
Although advocates expect Ohio legislators to enact a statewide ban this year, the local law's sponsor said Columbus needed to act to rein in what he called the most-dangerous behind-the-wheel distraction.
"We cannot wait any longer," Councilman Andrew J. Ginther said.
Columbus joins Cleveland and Toledo among the state's big cities - and Bexley among those in central Ohio - in telling drivers they can't write, send or read cell-phone messages while they're operating a motor vehicle.
Drivers also won't be able to check e-mail or use the Internet, whether it's by phone, computer or personal digital assistant.
Police Chief Walter Distelzweig said officers consider texting and driving a growing danger, but he added that they will use discretion on enforcement.
(Excerpt) Read more at dispatchpolitics.com ...
It’s a crying shame it has to come to this, but at least this is a common sense law that should be enforced.
Considering that my father’s very healthy 80-something year old friend (of over 50 years) was just crippled by a texting limo driver who veered out of his lane, I certainly hope this is massively enforced!!!
Shattered leg and arm, surgery, pins, minimum 6 months of PT to learn to walk again, all because the limo driver ignored the law.
This law means nothing. If common sense doesnt prohibit one from texting and driving, neither will another law. Im inclined to think that the most that will come from it is increased revenue and very little in the way of safety.
I don’t care if they are texting or eating a bowl of cereal.
Just cite them for reckless driving.
Do we need all these stupid laws?
Bingo. Unless you are on a freeway in Columbus, you are not going to be pulled over for speeding, turn signal, texting, etc on a surface road. CPD (except freeway patrol) doesn't do road rule violations unless it's an excuse for probable cause.
You win the “Common Sense of the Day” Award! There are already laws on the book that would cover the case of someone being distracted by texting.
It’s a pet peeve of mine.
The legal system just gets more and more bloated.
We don't need all these new laws. Just enforce laws that already exist.
Passing a law specific to texting is as silly as passing a law that makes it illegal to bludgeon somebody with a pencil. We already have laws on the book for assault and battery, why would we pass a special law prohibiting assault and battery with a pencil?
I am hoping to see laws against applying make-up, reading books, reaching for things in the backseat, etc., too. Duh. Whatever happened to plain old “inattentive driving” as a basis for a citation?
Because Drones love new laws backed upon their backs.
BTW. I just lost a coworker to a car accident were some moron dropped his cigarette and crossed the center line while reaching for it.
Of course the knucklehead survived with out a scratch.
Because Drones love new laws placed upon their backs.
First they came for the cigarettes...then they came for my cell phone....
“First they came for the cigarettes...then they came for my cell phone....”
And if after that you still can’t figure out that you need 100% of your focus on driving the vehicle then I hope they come for your license next, and your vehicle as well if necessary.
Yep. Some of you need government more than the rest of us.
ANYTHING less than 100% focus should be criminal, right?
Right?
“ANYTHING less than 100% focus should be criminal, right?
Right?”
Considering how lethal a vehicle at speed is, yes.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.