Bordering states jump on texting ban bandwagon
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Anti-texting laws are becoming infectious in the U.S., as another two states moved to ban the practice while driving last week.
Kentucky and Ohio are the two latest jurisdictions proposing limits on hand-held technology while operating a vehicle.
Rep. Rick Nelson in Kentucky proposed fines of $50 for anyone texting while driving as well as prohibit drivers under 18 from using any cell phone.
Multiple bills in Ohio propose to make texting a primary driving offence.
About 17 states have adopted texting bans and a handful of others are considering following suit.
North of the border, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and New Brunswick have cell phone and/or texting restrictions with Manitoba and B.C. considering similar measures.
And a study released in June by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that drivers were 23 times for likely to be involved in a collision or narrowly avoid if they text while driving. The study also states that some form of driver distraction – from cell phone use to dispatching devices – was involved in 100 percent of commercial vehicles crashes.
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