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By Bob Dyer
Beacon Journal columnist
POSTED: 05:16 p.m. EDT, Oct 15, 2009
Well, it's about time.
Ohio is finally moving toward outlawing DWT — driving while texting.
You wouldn't think we'd need a law to make people realize that typing and reading text messages while piloting a two-ton hunk of metal at 65 mph is about as safe as steering with your feet while playing tic-tac-toe with a passenger. But in this frenetic society, many folks don't think twice about it.
More than two years ago, I quoted a study by the American Automobile Association that said 28 percent of drivers age 16 and 17 have texted while driving. I also noted that the state of New York had introduced legislation to ban it in the wake of a hideous accident in which a 17-year-old texter killed five people.
Since then, 18 states have banned DWT. But none of Ohio's 132 legislators got around to doing anything until just this week, when state Sen. Shirley Smith, a Democrat from Cleveland, introduced a proposal to fine first-time offenders $200, second-time offenders $500, and sentence third-timers to 100 hours of community service.
''Because this practice is becoming more commonplace and is a growing danger on the road,'' Smith said in a prepared statement, ''I believe that the Ohio Senate should move swiftly...''
As my text-crazed kids might respond, ''DUH!''
MAT CRASH
A handful of readers have accused me of being too hard on the California state trooper who couldn't stop his car after a floor mat became tangled with the accelerator, triggering the huge Toyota recall.
They have noted — correctly — that the car in question, a Lexus ES 350, was equipped with a starter button, rather than a traditional key, so turning off the engine was a bit more complicated than normal.
Some also have asserted — incorrectly — that you can't turn the car off after it reaches a certain speed and that — again incorrectly — you can't shift out of ''drive'' at high speeds.
Technicians from both Toyota and Lexus say every vehicle in their fleet can be turned off or shifted at any speed. On vehicles with push-button starters, you simply hold down the button for three seconds.
Now, three seconds can seem like an eternity when you're careening along at 120 mph. But the 911 call made by a back-seat passenger lasted 50 seconds. Surely, someone with the training of a state highway patrolman could steer with one hand for at least three seconds.
The problem, I'd wager, is that, because the man was driving a loaner while his own car was being serviced, he simply wasn't familiar enough with that model to remember how to shut it down.
Those who are ready to crucify Toyota also should note that the mat was the wrong one for that model. (Glad I'm not the car dealer in question.)
Bob Dyer can be reached at 330-996-3580 or bdyer@thebeaconjournal.com.
Well, it's about time.
Ohio is finally moving toward outlawing DWT — driving while texting.
You wouldn't think we'd need a law to make people realize that typing and reading text messages while piloting a two-ton hunk of metal at 65 mph is about as safe as steering with your feet while playing tic-tac-toe with a passenger. But in this frenetic society, many folks don't think twice about it.
More than two years ago, I quoted a study by the American Automobile Association that said 28 percent of drivers age 16 and 17 have texted while driving. I also noted that the state of New York had introduced legislation to ban it in the wake of a hideous accident in which a 17-year-old texter killed five people.
Since then, 18 states have banned DWT. But none of Ohio's 132 legislators got around to doing anything until just this week, when state Sen. Shirley Smith, a Democrat from Cleveland, introduced a proposal to fine first-time offenders $200, second-time offenders $500, and sentence third-timers to 100 hours of community service.
''Because this practice is becoming more commonplace and is a growing danger on the road,'' Smith said in a prepared statement, ''I believe that the Ohio Senate should move swiftly...''
As my text-crazed kids might respond, ''DUH!''
MAT CRASH
A handful of readers have accused me of being too hard on the California state trooper who couldn't stop his car after a floor mat became tangled with the accelerator, triggering the huge Toyota recall.
They have noted — correctly — that the car in question, a Lexus ES 350, was equipped with a starter button, rather than a traditional key, so turning off the engine was a bit more complicated than normal.
Some also have asserted — incorrectly — that you can't turn the car off after it reaches a certain speed and that — again incorrectly — you can't shift out of ''drive'' at high speeds.
Technicians from both Toyota and Lexus say every vehicle in their fleet can be turned off or shifted at any speed. On vehicles with push-button starters, you simply hold down the button for three seconds.
Now, three seconds can seem like an eternity when you're careening along at 120 mph. But the 911 call made by a back-seat passenger lasted 50 seconds. Surely, someone with the training of a state highway patrolman could steer with one hand for at least three seconds.
The problem, I'd wager, is that, because the man was driving a loaner while his own car was being serviced, he simply wasn't familiar enough with that model to remember how to shut it down.
Those who are ready to crucify Toyota also should note that the mat was the wrong one for that model. (Glad I'm not the car dealer in question.)
Bob Dyer can be reached at 330-996-3580 or bdyer@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
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Canton, OH
Posted 05:18 PM, 10/15/2009
. . . . sweet. . ..
oıɥo 'uoɹʞɐ, ㏊㏊
Posted 05:58 PM, 10/15/2009
Texting & driving is more dangerous than you're average person a bit over the the BAC. If you're so dependent on the modern day security blankie (cell phone) and can't wait to text, it's time you admit your addiction. Just like those who have like 7 DUI's.
akron, oh
Posted 06:27 AM, 10/16/2009
I agree it dangerous but what about the woman who apply makeup or men who eat and search for the ketchup to dip thier fries? where do we stop govt control?
akron, oh
Posted 08:19 AM, 10/16/2009
Interesting about the texting history, but I think common sense prevailed for most of us already on this issue.
Tallmadge, Oh
Posted 10:22 AM, 10/16/2009
Hey HTLONG:
There is NO government control involved. What a foolish statement. Did someone go through childhood without parents?
This is a dangerous activity which can and does result in death to the public. Laws are established to minimize or eliminate the behavior.
It's up to you to comply with the laws. If you choose to engage in illegal activities, you should be punished. It is all about YOUR CHOICE.
As for me, I'd like to see all cell phones with embedded GPS tracking. Whenever the phone is determined to be traveling at a speed of 25 mph or higher, the phone should be disabled. If someone has called, they can leave a message. Or in this case, if a text message arrives, the notification ringtone is played only after the device has been stationary for 15 seconds.
Dear legislators: fix this!!!
Stow, OH
Posted 10:40 AM, 10/16/2009
@HTLong - I agree with you.
Also, there's a real problem with the enforcement of such a law. What if you were just picking up your ringing phone to see who was calling? You'd get pulled over and fined. Period. Because a cop's word trumps a citizen's.
Dear Legislators - stay out of my car!
Tallmadge, Oh
Posted 10:43 AM, 10/16/2009
This is mayor Don's fault!!
Tallmadge, Oh
Posted 10:47 AM, 10/16/2009
Seriously though, EVERY DAY either on my way in to work or on my way home I have some sort of close call. Likewise, EVRY TIME its someone staring down at their phone instead of at the road - usually some 19 yr old girl!
@Karbunkle: it's an intriguing idea you have with the GPS/speed disabling. However, what about passengers using the phone. And, do you really want the phone company/government/big brother tracking where you are and how fast you're going? Should they issue a speeding ticket if someone is travelling 75 mph? Too much room for abuse in that idea as it is.
Hudson, OH
Posted 11:02 AM, 10/16/2009
So what law is someone breaking if they were steering with their feet while playing tic-tac-toe with a passenger? Reckless op? So why can't existing law be used to fight DWT? Every time I think of new laws like this I think of all the smiling lawyers.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:35 AM, 10/16/2009
Pass this bill immediately! Maybe Summit County should do it on their own and use the fine money to offset the price of the new sewer system!
Kookville, Oh
Posted 11:45 AM, 10/16/2009
Libertygrrl and htlong...yer both wrong. Cops should NOT have to bother distinguishing whether it is a text or a call. JUST DON'T TOUCH YOUR PHONE WHILE DRIVING OR YOU MAY BE TICKETED. It is that simple. This is a dangerous act that the law man is trying to stop. And I would like to see it stopped. And also, turn down yer radio too.
Karbunkle...I agree with you. Great points.
Tallmadge, Oh
Posted 12:19 PM, 10/16/2009
How difficult would it be to just pull over to a parking lot and answer your phone text? Not difficult at all!
Posted 03:34 PM, 10/16/2009
@Karbunkle
So you're saying that passengers shouldn't be able to use cell phones in cars? Nice to see that some people still support Big Brother.
akorn, oh
Posted 10:01 AM, 10/30/2009
waste of time and money. We have a law already- it is called Reckless Op.
