| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT For Immediate Release: September 22, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
Councilmember Mills supports Statewide Ban on Texting while Driving
Columbus Community,
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving because it takes the driver’s hands off the wheel, eyes off the road and mind off the task at hand, safely operating a motor vehicle. A National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Study conducted by Virginia Tech found 80% of all crashes and 65% of near crashes involve some form of distraction.
That is why as Columbus City Council’s Safety Committee chair, I joined AAA, local law enforcement officers and other transportation advocates at a Statehouse rally urging the State Senate to pass a texting while driving ban. The House of Representatives passed a bill earlier this year that will make Ohio roads safer, now it is the Senate’s turn to do the same.
Knowing that the lives of our residents could be at risk, the Columbus City Council did not wait for the state to put a texting while driving ban in place. Under the leadership of now City Council President Andrew J. Ginther, Councilmembers voted unanimously in the spring of 2010 to make texting while driving a primary traffic offensive, punishable with a maximum fine of $150.00. Although officers have issued a number of tickets, the primary goal of the ban was to raise aware of the dangers of texting while driving, making our roads safer for drivers, bicyclist and pedestrians alike.
I urge the Ohio State Senate to say “yes” to H.B. 99 and help us save lives.
Sincerely,
Michelle M. Mills, Chair Public Safety & Judiciary Committee
Columbus City Council
