The Ohio Traffic Safety Council voted on Wednesday to support a bill that would make it illegal to use a phone while driving. House Bill 283 was introduced in May and would broaden existing texting-and-driving laws.
Lloyd MacAdam is the Chief Engineer at the Ohio Department of Transportation. At the Safety Council meeting he said that strict rules against phone use for commercial drivers lowers their number of distracted driving incidents.
“This illustrates the effectiveness of these requirements in changing driving behavior," said MacAdam. "It also illustrates why we’re so passionate about passing our primary hands-free law for all Ohioans.”
If the bill passes, almost any phone use will be considered a primary offense that could get you pulled over. Hands-free cell phone use would still be allowed.
The House will hold additional hearings on the legislation this fall.