Kasich plans to enact law to ban texting while driving

May 16, 2012 at 12:03a.m.

COLUMBUS

The Ohio House has given its OK to legislation banning teens from sending text messages, talking on cellphones or using any other hand-held electronic communication devices while driving, sending the bill to Gov. John Kasich for his expected signature.

The final vote for concurrence on House Bill 99 was 88-12, with no debate Tuesday.

The bill bans texting while driving, though adults could continue to use GPS units, cellphones and other hand-held devices, as long as they are not being used for writing, reading or sending text messages.

The violation would be a secondary offense for adult drivers, meaning law enforcement could not issue a citation unless officers have cause to stop a driver for other violations.

The legislation also would ban the use of any hand-held electronic communications devices by drivers younger than 18, except in emergencies.

“Statistics show that it’s our youngest drivers who are the most vulnerable to accidents,” said Rep. Rex Damschroder, a Republican from Fremont. He added later, “Sixteen-year-olds have all they can do to learn how to drive a car. You can’t let them text; you can’t let them talk on cellphones.”

For minors, using electronic communications devices while driving could result in a $150 fine and a mandatory 60-day driver’s license or permit suspension for first-time offenders and a $300 fine and one-year suspension for repeat violators.

Supporters believe the law will make Ohio roads safer.

“The reaction time of texting drivers is 35 percent slower than it is for marijuana smokers and 12 percent slower than it is for drunken driving,” said Rep. Nancy Garland, a Democrat from the Columbus area and co-sponsor of the bill. “This is more dangerous than drunken driving, and we have outlawed that.”

Rob Nichols, spokesman for the governor, said Kasich intends to sign the bill into law.