Bill would allow Ohio cops to make traffic stops for cell use

An Ohio lawmaker introduced legislation Monday that would allow police to stop and issue tickets to motorists who they see using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Mary Lightbody, D-Westerville, would make use of electronic devices while driving a primary offense. It is now a secondary offense, meaning police can only issue a citation in connection with another traffic offense.

In a statement, Lightbody said giving police extra enforcement ability would make roads safer.

“The number of drivers I see using their smartphones while driving continues to concern me, especially as they tend to drive erratically,” she said. “This legislation will address the significant danger caused by drivers who drive under the influence of their electronic devices.”

Lightbody cited statistics showing 58 Ohioans were killed, 493 were seriously injured and over 7,000 were injured in nearly 14,000 distracted driving accidents in 2017.

However, these statistics may be underreported because driving while using electronics is difficult to prove unless the officer sees it firsthand or the driver self-reports, Lightbody said.

Gov. Mike DeWine previously spoke in favor of introducing more stringent legislation against distracted driving in Ohio, which carries a $100 fine.

“Cellphones turn a lot of people into stupid drivers,” DeWine said last month. “We need a culture change around distracted driving. It must be as culturally unacceptable as drunk driving.”

The governor said toughened enforcement will save lives.

This report is from The Columbus Dispatch.