How many times have we seen drivers taking their eyes of the road to text or engage in animated conversation on their hand-held cell phones?
Cleveland Ward 3 Councilman wants to take cell phones out of motorist’s hands.
Reed said last week that he plans to introduce legislation to ban drivers from using hand-held cell phones as they travel through Cleveland.
At least six communities in Cuyahoga County – Brooklyn, North Olmsted, North Royalton, South Euclid, Walton Hills and Woodmere – already forbid drivers from using a cell phone when motoring through their enclaves. Several others, including Cleveland, outlaw texting behind the wheel.
Reed said use of a hand-held phone would be a primary offense in his proposal, meaning police could pull over motorists seen with a phone to their ear.
A recent Highway Patrol report pointed out that Cuyahoga County accounted for nearly one out of four distracted driving crashes in Ohio.
That’s nothing to sneeze at.
Bolstered by a report from the State Highway Patrol and the growing number of neighboring suburbs in Cuyahoga County that frown on cell phone use by motorists, Reed might be on to something.
There are too many statistics and all too many cases showing accidents caused by distracted driving.
Councilman Reed is right in pursuing this public policy initiative.
How many times have we seen drivers taking their eyes of the road to text or engage in animated conversation on their hand-held cell phones?
The answer is all too many.
That’s why communities are cracking down on this behavior.
Yes, technology has come a long way; especially when it comes to mobile communications.
That does not, however, diminish the harm that being distracted by cell phone use can cause.
In the meantime, drivers should consider investing in a hands free device for their mobile phones.
