FAIRVIEW PARK Put down those handheld devices while you are behind the wheel and get to the business of driving safely.

That is the message coming across loud and clear in a new ordinance passed Dec. 19 that makes it illegal to compose, send or read text messages or emails while driving in the city.

As outlined in the ordinance, texting is now considered a primary offense, which means that if a police officer sees a driver texting, he or she could be pulled over for that reason alone. And the fines are nothing to scoff at — $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense, and no more than $500 for each subsequent offense.

The ordinance, which passed on first reading, was the initial piece of legislation introduced by new Ward 1 Councilman Brian McDonough, an attorney. McDonough was appointed to the vacant seat after he won election last month. Patrick Manning, the former councilman, resigned in September after moving out of the city.

Since this month is national Impaired Driving Prevention Month, McDonough requested that the legislation be approved as an emergency measure, rather than passing through the customary three readings. He said reports continue to show the dangers of texting and driving.

“With all the kids coming from college over the holiday season, spreading that awareness and having that information out there could help save a life,” he said.

“It is amazing that people think they can multitask while driving, and it is something they just can’t do. All the research and all the studies show this type of driving and texting — going 55 mph, looking at the phone while trying to reply to that text or email — you are going the length of a football field blind,” he added.

McDonough said the issue was brought to his attention by a resident in West Valley, who said she nearly had an accident on Lorain Road because a young driver was text messaging. The resident told him she had to hit the brakes to avoid an accident.

In conjunction with the ordinance, McDonough said he intends to start a public education campaign for the young drivers at the high school to educate them on the risks associated with distracted driving.

See more Fairview Park news at cleveland.com/fairview-park.

Gluck is a freelancer from Bay Village. Contact her at kate.gluck@sbcglobal.net.