Proposals would ban texting while driving in Ohio

COLUMBUS (AP) — State lawmakers are offering proposals to make the state one of a growing number that ban text messaging while driving.

Three bills have been introduced in the Ohio House that include prohibitions on texting behind the wheel, and at least one more bill is on the way.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Robert Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th, says it’s ridiculous to even try to send a text while driving. Hagan says a ban of some sort seems like a reasonable idea.

Cleveland already has a law against text messaging during the operation of a vehicle. Repeat violators face fines of up to $500.

A proposal for a similar local ordinance in Cincinnati was rejected Tuesday by a city council panel.