4.6.10
Drivers: Texting illegal in Columbus

City Council passes ban; law will go into effect on May 5
By: Robert Vitale - www.Dispatch.com
ols 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.

The law allows police to stop drivers solely for texting, whether they're breaking any other law. Those cited can be fined as much as $150.

"It boils down to priorities," Distelzweig said.

The law will apply to everyone, although officials said they hope that the law will stop texting among younger, less-experienced drivers in particular.

One in four teen drivers polled last year by the Pew Research Center had sent or read text messages while driving. Half said they were passengers with a driver who was texting.

Sheila Giles, a nurse at Nationwide Children's Hospital, told council members that she has seen the results.

"As parents and grandparents, we have the responsibility to protect our children when they don't have the foresight to protect themselves," she said.

Cell-phone companies, insurers and others have stepped up efforts in recent months to warn people about the dangers of texting while driving.

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