Teen drivers are the focus of this new state law.
A new law will be implemented in Ohio, Friday, in an attempt to make state roadways a little safer. It makes the use of cell phones while driving a primary offense for drivers under the age of 18 and a secondary one for other adults. This means authorities won’t need any other reason to pull over a teen driver.
The new law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from talking on a cell phone, texting, emailing, or using a cell phone as a hand-held GPS (unless it has been pre-programmed); it also outlaws the use of tablets and video games – all even while stopped at a traffic light or in a traffic jam.
From 2009 to 2011, according to police reports in Ohio, 31,231 crashes were caused by distracted driving. Seventy-four fatalities and 7,825 injuries resulted from distracted driving crashes.
The penalty for a teen who texts while driving is a $150 fine and a 60-day suspension of his or her license.
