Columbus –State Senators heard compelling testimony today from supporters of Senator Shirley Smith’s (D-Cleveland) legislation to create a statewide ban on texting and driving. Summit County Sheriff’s Office Chief Garry Moneypenny and Brian Newbacher, Director of Public Affairs of AAA East Central told members of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee why they are backing Senate bill 164.
“As a law enforcement official with almost 35 years experience, I have observed the damages that traffic accidents cause,” testified Chief Moneypenny. “A recent study conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory shows . . . that those using a mobile phone to read or write a text message were almost guaranteed to veer out of their line, with steering control 91% poorer than it would otherwise be.” Chief Moneypenny also noted that a significant portion of the population would voluntarily follow a law that bans texting and driving, and compliance with the law will increase over time.
Mr. Newbacher testified that “The significant cognitive, visual and physical distractions involved in text messaging while behind the wheel make it an extremely dangerous activity that should be made illegal.” He also cited a recent Ohio AAA study showed that 91% of its members support a statewide ban on texting and driving.
Mr. Tom Whiteman also gave impromptu testimony in support of SB 164. Representing Leslie’s Wings, a group that promotes motorcycle awareness in memory of the death of his daughter, Whiteman argued that texting while driving is the most significant distracted driving behavior that motorists encounter on the road.
“I am grateful to Chief Moneypenny, Mr. Newbacher, and Mr. Whiteman for taking time to testify today in support of Senate Bill 164. Hearing the facts on the dangers of texting while driving, along with the moving testimony from Mr. Whiteman only strengthened my belief that SB 164 will make Ohio’s roads safer and its drivers smarter,” said Senator Smith. “I sincerely hope that my colleagues on committee weigh these testimonies as seriously as I do and support SB 164.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, approximately 6,000 deaths and more than a half a million injuries were attributed to distracted driving in 2008.
“As a law enforcement official with almost 35 years experience, I have observed the damages that traffic accidents cause,” testified Chief Moneypenny. “A recent study conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory shows . . . that those using a mobile phone to read or write a text message were almost guaranteed to veer out of their line, with steering control 91% poorer than it would otherwise be.” Chief Moneypenny also noted that a significant portion of the population would voluntarily follow a law that bans texting and driving, and compliance with the law will increase over time.
Mr. Newbacher testified that “The significant cognitive, visual and physical distractions involved in text messaging while behind the wheel make it an extremely dangerous activity that should be made illegal.” He also cited a recent Ohio AAA study showed that 91% of its members support a statewide ban on texting and driving.
Mr. Tom Whiteman also gave impromptu testimony in support of SB 164. Representing Leslie’s Wings, a group that promotes motorcycle awareness in memory of the death of his daughter, Whiteman argued that texting while driving is the most significant distracted driving behavior that motorists encounter on the road.
“I am grateful to Chief Moneypenny, Mr. Newbacher, and Mr. Whiteman for taking time to testify today in support of Senate Bill 164. Hearing the facts on the dangers of texting while driving, along with the moving testimony from Mr. Whiteman only strengthened my belief that SB 164 will make Ohio’s roads safer and its drivers smarter,” said Senator Smith. “I sincerely hope that my colleagues on committee weigh these testimonies as seriously as I do and support SB 164.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, approximately 6,000 deaths and more than a half a million injuries were attributed to distracted driving in 2008.
