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Portsmouth Council Considers Texting Ban
By: WOUB Staff Writer
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You text, you drive, you pay — that could soon be the situation in Portsmouth.
In the absence of a statewide ban on texting while driving, the city is considering implementing a ban of its own.
It's all in the name of safety, and violating it could cost big bucks.
Jeanette Langford supports the ordinance after almost driving over an embankment while texting and driving.
Portsmouth Mayor David Malone said he wants to prevent the devastation of texting and driving related car crashes in Portsmouth.
After the Ohio state legislature tabled plans for a statewide ban, Malone introduced an ordinance for a citywide ban, with the hopes of making it a primary offense with a $150 fine on the first violation.
Signs would be posted, and anyone driving within the city limits would be held to the standard of the law.
Police say they do support the ban and they're hoping to get more officers soon.
Portsmouth City Council on Monday night heard the first reading of the ordinance, which passed unanimously.