If You Drive In Ohio, Here's Some Things To Know

[RaceFan]

No texting at the wheel

You're behind the wheel, sending a text message as you drive.

Are you breaking the law?

The answer is no.

Or it's yes.


More specifically, it depends on where you are.

Information about traffic laws and distracted driving was shared with the Bryan Kiwanis Club Wednesday by Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Pat Tusko.

A Bryan native and son of retired trooper and current Kiwanian Mike Tusko, Pat is a 14-year Highway Patrol veteran.

Although various bills have been introduced in the Ohio Legislature banning text messaging or cell phone use by drivers - including a texting ban passed by the House and awaiting Senate consideration - Tusko noted no statewide ban on texting or cell phone use while behind the wheel is in place.

But some local jurisdictions in Ohio have banned text messaging by drivers, including Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Belpre, South Euclid and Zanesville. Others are considering such bans, some extending to cell phone use, the troopersaid.

Other states and jurisdictions have instituted or are considering such bans, too.

The best advice, Tusko said, is "if you're trying to use your cell phone, pull off to the side of the road, then use it."

Tusko cited statistics on the dangers of texting and driving. "Fifty-six percent of teens admit to talking on the cell phone or texting while driving," he said. "That's something that's a big problem."

Twenty-one percent of teen drivers ages 16 to 19 involved in fatalitieswere trying to use a cell phone at the time of the crash.

And, he said, "People who text while driving are 23 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal accident."

Recently, Tusko said, he stopped a driver who was texting while traveling 93 miles an hour. "He and I had an interesting conversation, to say the least," he said.

"Texting," he said, "is probably the most dangerous thing out there."

Tusko described three types of distracted driving. The first, he said, is visual: "You're taking your eyes off the road."

He said a driver has his eyes off the road four out of every six seconds while sending a text message.

The second type of distracted driving is manual, Tusko said. "You're taking your hands off the wheel; you reach for your cell."

And the third, he said, is cognitive. "You're taking your mind off what you're doing while you're driving down the road."

The trooper also updated Kiwanians on Ohio traffic law changes.

One change, he said, is a headlight requirement. "When your windshield wipers are on, you've got to have your headlights on." He noted this is a secondary offense, meaning a driver can't be stopped for not having the lights on, but can be cited for it if stopped for a primary moving or mechanical offense, such as speeding.

Too, he said, "we have a new booster seat law."

In Ohio, he said, any child ages 4 to 7 shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches in height must be seated in an approved booster seat. A child 4 feet, 9 inches or taller is exempt even if younger than 8.

And, Tusko said, any child age 15 or younger is required to use a seat belt, even in the rear seats - and the driver can be cited in cases of violations.

[john40]

Who would want to drive in Ohio?

[ebbieday]

No texting at the wheel

You're behind the wheel, sending a text message as you drive.

Are you breaking the law?

The answer is no.

Or it's yes.


More specifically, it depends on where you are...

Racefan...I try to stay out of Ohio at all costs. I do have to drive a short way through Toledo on my way to my Sisters' house, but otherwise...no thanks!

[BlahBlahBlah]

You also should know that you don't have to be checked by radar to be speeding

http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/nationa...ct-oh-speeders

How stupid is that!

[Mrs.Slotz]

The last time I was in Ohio, I was 18. I had to make a run to Hicksville to get me some beer. Have not been there since.

[hairypumper]

I know if I'm talking while driving, even with a bluetooth headset, my right foot gets really heavy.

[RaceFan]

I spend alot of time in Ohio(Montpelier) because that's where I grew up. Still have Parents and a Brother and an Uncle that still reside there.

[ebbieday]

I know if I'm talking while driving, even with a bluetooth headset, my right foot gets really heavy.

Cruise Control!!

[BlahBlahBlah]

Ebbieday, even with your cruise control on, if you appear to be speeding to a police officer in ohio you can be ticketed. (see article in my previous post)

[RaceFan]

You also should know that you don't have to be checked by radar to be speeding

http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/nationa...ct-oh-speeders

How stupid is that!

That just isn't right!

[hairypumper]

Ebbieday, even with your cruise control on, if you appear to be speeding to a police officer in ohio you can be ticketed. (see article in my previous post)

One of the problems with that is some cars look really fast when they are sitting still. Emotions can affect judgement also.

[HoosierHelen]

Wow! I've learned alot about driving in Ohio that I did not know on this thread. I do drive over to Hicksville on occassion, it's good to have learned this.