With many Ohio families hitting the highways this summer on vacations, the importance of paying attention while behind the wheel cannot be stressed enough. A recent accident caused by distracted driving has been shining a light on this crucial issue.
As 13abc Action News reports, an Ohio woman and her 5-year-old daughter were recently killed when a distracted driver rammed his pick-up truck into her car while distracted behind the wheel. This created a pileup along U.S. 23 that involved two other vehicles as well. Law enforcement officers are warning drivers to put down their phones and keep their eyes on the road. In Ohio, distracted driving is a secondary offense, but officers stress that it is serious and can be easily avoided. Since not being focused on driving is a hazard to both the driver and the other cars on the road, officers recommend pulling over when being on a phone is necessary.
In fact, Dayton Daily News reports that lawmakers are considering stricter laws to punish distracted driving. As things currently stand an Ohio driver cannot be pulled over for being distracted, but a bill that passed the Ohio House of Representatives would allow those who are pulled over for another infraction or for speeding to face an additional $100 added to their ticket. This would include not just texting while driving but also changing the radio station or talking on the phone. The bill would still need to pass in the Senate and be signed into law by the governor to become law.
