Bexley Proposes Texting-While-Driving Ban

Bexley's city council proposes a texting-while-driving ban.

By: NBC4i Staff | NBC4i.com
Published: July 29, 2009

BEXLEY, Ohio -- The texting-while-driving ban has hit a total of 14 states, including California and New York.

In Ohio, the city of Cleveland recently banned using text while driving within city limits. Fines in Cleveland range from $100 to $500 based on the amount of offenses.

Now, local municipalities are getting involved.

Bexley City Council proposed a texting-while-driving ban Tuesday.

Even though it only was a proposal, nine out of 10 Bexley citizens NBC 4 interviewed were eager for it to pass.

"I'm actually guilty of texting while driving, but I do think it's bad, and if there's a law it would deter me from doing it", said Tracy King, a Central Ohio resident who admitted to texting while driving.

If you take your eyes off the road for more than two seconds, it puts you and others in danger, according to AAA's two-second rule.

Can officers really spot someone who is texting, though?

"Basically, the officer would have to observe the violation, but it would be pretty difficult because the car door tends to be in the way," Bexley Captain Robert Buty said.

In order for the texting ban to pass, the proposed ordinance needs to go through two more council readings.

If passed by the Bexley Safety Committee, a council vote would be next.

If council were to approve, officials would then vote on the issue.

Bexley officials said they were eager for input from the community regarding the proposed legislation.

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