Distracted Driving Proposal Gets Push Bac

Gov., DeWine’s push to crack down on distracted driving is already facing bumps in the road. Senate President, Matt Huffman voiced concerns that the proposal…which would allow police to ticket adults for holding electronic devices at the wheel…could impinge on individual freedoms. Huffman is also worried about cities using the law to generate revenue through ticket writing. The governor wants the distracted violation to be a primary offense…meaning police wouldn’t need another reason, such as speeding, to pull drivers over. He’s including the change in his transportation budget. The proposal would address such activities as writing, sending or looking at texts, watching or recording photos or videos, or livestreaming while handling an electronic device, among other activities. Exemptions would include using a phone to place an emergency call…or using hands-free functions to talk on the phone, or dictate texts.