Distracted Drivers Beware
Many states are cracking down on distracted drivers, and Ohio is the latest of these. Texting while you’re in the driver’s seat is not only reckless, but it is dangerous to both the driver and those around him. Ohio’s proposed law tackles people that text while driving; it should take effect August 30th.
However, the city of Bowling Green has gone a step further. It has created a ban on driving without placing 100% of your attention on the road. At a glance, this law is a no-brainer. Drivers should be completely focused on the task set ahead of them. The problem lies, however, in the wording. According to FoxNews.com, those who oppose the bill say that the wording is too broad, and leaves too much to the imagination.
Their argument is that just about anything can be construed as not having your full attention on the road. Police officers would be able to stop you for anything from dialing a phone to changing radio stations on your car console.
Spokesman for the National Motorists Association, John Bowman, says that more laws aren’t the answer. If laws are absolutely necessary, they should be drafted with much clearer language than the Bowling Green’s measure. He argues that will really drive home the point that this is not a good practice will be education.
Supporters of the Measure
While this measure has met some opposition, there are those that are in favor of it. Brad Conner, Bowling Green Police Chief, says that it’s difficult to tell whether someone’s dialing a phone number or actually texting. In this case, the state-wide law would fall short, whereas Bowling Green’s measure would pick up the slack.
City Councilman Rober McComber clarifies, “This isn’t about banning people from eating or drinking while driving, but preventing them from trying to do both while steering the car with their knees or thighs.”
The city has not yet determined what the penalty for distracted driving will be, but according to FoxNews.com, it would constitute a minor misdemeanor. Many believe that distracted driving is a problem, and that it should be dealt with. The only problem is agreeing on how it should be done.
For example, Communications Director for the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration, Jonathan Adkins, believes that distracted driving should be handled state-wide. Local laws such as the one in Bowling Green, will only serve to cause confusion.
Now is the time to familiarize yourself with current Ohio automobile legislation.
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