In an effort to reduce the hazards caused by distracted driving, Ohio is one step closer to banning use of electronic devices by teen drivers. On Tuesday, May 15, the Ohio House of Representatives voted 82-12 to ban teens from using cell phones and other electronic devices while operating motor vehicles. The Senate previously approved the bill and Governor John Kasich is expected to sign it into law.
Under the proposed law, all drivers would be prohibited from texting while driving, but young drivers could more easily be pulled over for doing so. The bill makes texting while driving a secondary offense for adults, meaning that adult drivers could be ticketed for texting only if they were first pulled over for another offense.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, Ohio’s measure would be among the broadest and strongest in the country in terms of teen distracted driving restrictions. The organization reported that texting while driving is already illegal in 38 states.
Contact the Ohio distracted driving accident attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List for more information.
Source: “Ohio House Passes Statewide Texting Ban for Teenage Drivers” 10Tv.com and The Associated Press, May 15, 2012.