By Jodie

August 10, 2009 11:57 PM | Link to this

I think these damn cell phone companies should have to put a bluetooth in with the phone when you buy it instead of charging extra money and having to buy it separate. This is starting to become a communist country, we are all screwed! We have no rights anymore. And the ones we have left we will soon lose.

By sandy

August 10, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this

I think it should be a law everywhere that if you are going to talk on your cellphone, you have to have a bluetooth. I swear by mine and am lost without it.It’s so much safer, for everyone.

By James

August 7, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this

Im Sick ofDriving behind People Talking on their cell phones,driving 25 mph in a 35,traffic zipping buy,cant get over.

By trucker

August 7, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

hey M I drive a truck and when was the last time you heard of someone wrecking or killing someone while talking on there cb. I drive down the road and see people eating bowls of food putting on makeup and reading there maps that they print off. And then at the last minute say oh sh*t there is my turn and slam the brakes on cut across two lanes of traffic right in front of me at 80,000 pounds.Oh yes and the ones that drive with there feet in the seat with the cruise on in rush hour traffic while playing with there phone and driveing with there elbows. yes you see alot sitting up there. and just remember if you got a truck brought it. goodday

By k man g

August 7, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this

New update posted about the motorcyclist killed in Turtlecreek Township…The lady who hit him with the SUV was talking on the cell phone while driving. You or I could be a victim at any time ,or worse,you might be the one on the phone and kill someone.I don’t think your phone call is that important. For those of you who do not support the banning of talking and driving,you are so ignorant and don’t realize it. I rest my case.

By Add these to the list also

August 7, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

GPS’s should be added to the list along with CB radios being used by truckers and other people; The police cannot run their radar while driving nor can they talk on their radios while driving. I do not text while driving, but I do on ocassion use my phone when necessary and will continue to use my phone even if the stupid law is passed

By Lea

August 7, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

You should be able to text or talk and drive if and only if you pass a test that shows that it doesn’t impair your ability to make split-second decisions. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a passenger answer my phone or if I was talking lost track of the conversation due to paying attention to the road.

By Canwealljustgetalong

August 7, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

We survived without them when we did have Cell phones Remember before the 1980’s?

By 448 Kiefaber

August 7, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

So does this includes GPS’s? If not, does include some using the GPS on their IPhone?

By Charles Manson

August 7, 2009 8:30 AM | Link to this

Execute them all…we can sort them out later at the morgue.

By King of the Lizard People

August 7, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this

IT DOES NOT MATTER IF YOUR MALE or FEMALE…if your using a mobile device while driving you are an IDIOT and since the King is also out there on those roads you should STOP the practice now before you kill ME. Do you think that call is so important that you should risk MY life? If you still wish to use you mobile devices while driving here is a 3 simple solutions, 1) lets raise your taxes so that we can create a lane that is solely for MY personal use…or… I propose that anyone that gets caught using their mobile device while driving their license SUSPENDED or even JAILED…this will help eliminate the morons off the road and at the same time increase the use of public transportation…so in essence it would be as if we are going Green with our traffic laws. The problem with any legislation is that it is only as good as the enforcement of that law and the penalties for violating the law…there are already bans in many areas on the use of talking on a mobile device while driving and they are absolutely useless because they are not enforced or the penalty is to soft. It would be nice if we could round up all those out there that are weak links in the evolutionary ladder and just execute every last one of them…but we all know that is not going to happen.

By Joe

August 7, 2009 8:12 AM | Link to this

What’s the big deal? Handheld devices have been banned from use on WPAFB and a whole list of other places for some time now. Maybe you could learn how to use the turn signal lever with that free hand.

By MCP

August 7, 2009 7:32 AM | Link to this

To Michelle aka “Hey Jon”, “men and women are equal now!” Bless your heart sweetie, that only exists in your fragile mind. Just because women are now riding their own motorcycles, drive pickups and SUV’s, hold certain jobs does not make them equal to men. The ERA says you have equal rights but, that doesn’t make women equal to men in other ways. Jon is right. I also see more women than men yapping on cell phones while driving like there’s somebody on the other end who really cares what they’ve got to say. You may be able to yap on the phone at home or the office and multi-task however, your house or office isn’t travelling down the highway at 65 to 70 mph. Personally, I will pull over to a safe spot to talk on a cell while in my vehicle. You should try that sweetie. You’ll be much safer that way unless some other woman rear ends you while driving and yapping on her cell phone.

By m

August 7, 2009 7:21 AM | Link to this

Lets be consistent. truckers use CB radios all day long. Lets stop that. Also, I see police cruisers driving around on their cell phones. Stop that. Also, no talking while you drive. Another ignorant law because if ignorant people.

By Anon

August 7, 2009 7:13 AM | Link to this

I am all for it. I have my headset with me most of the time and if I don’t, I put the phone on speaker so I can drive with both hands.

By Dave Kreitzer

August 7, 2009 5:46 AM | Link to this

“Wake up America! We need this law because some of you can’t monitor yourselves! ” Don’t worry. Soon enough you will get all the monitoring and control you want-courtesy of the federal government.

By Jim

August 7, 2009 12:47 AM | Link to this

The front page of Wed’s NYT’s had an article that delt with this very issue. Driving while distracted is going to be addressed at the federal level according to transportation secretary Ray LaHood. IMO, it’s long overdue. Multitasking while driving a car is not a good idea. The statistics bear out the FACT that if you’re talking on a cell phone you’re more likely to CAUSE or be in an accident. For the safety of everyone on the roads, we should not gab endlessly on cell phones.

By Hey Jon...

August 7, 2009 12:21 AM | Link to this

Jon, Jon, Jon…. you must be a male chauvinist pig. If not, you are now! I have seen just as many men use a cellphone while driving as women. I don’t know where you are driving at, but it must not be 2009. Maybe you have a blue tooth, but not everyone does. Just because you must doesn’t mean all men have one and women have no idea what you are talking about. Get it together and you learn something Jon….men and women are equal now!

By CoachK

August 6, 2009 11:37 PM | Link to this

Sounds good and all but how on earth can texting while driving even be proved? You can prove drinking and driving easy. Plus, you start a slippery slope with this law. What if I am just glancing at my phone at a stop.. That should be illegal? It’s really all in judgment - sadly there are some with horrible judgment - but not fair to those who don’t abuse distractions while driving. Like I said slippery slope - if this passes then the next debate will be you can’t eat, change the radio/mp3, do your makeup, brush your hair, use your GPS, smoke cigarettes, adjust the air, talk to your passenger, and more - ALL of which are a distraction. Heck I’ve seen people read the newspaper at stoplights, men shaving with electric razors, women curling lashes, drivers looking back at the kids, reaching in the back seat, and so on.. Like I said, its about the judgment. It’s an unrealistic law as it is. There is no good way to prove someone texted while driving. There are just way too many ways around that. Police can’t just search the phone because then people will change the phone time to get around it. Or couldn’t we just throw the phone out the window and tell them we have no idea what they are talking about when they pull us over? Honestly, it’ll never ever work.

By Jon

August 6, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this

Women are THE worst offenders by far! How many women do you see during your travels with a phone being held up by one shoulder? It’s ridiculous. Haven’t they heard of Blue Tooth technology? If not, LEARN IT!

By justwondering

August 6, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry, but didn’t people have car accidents before cell phones? What did we blame it on back then?

By Joe

August 6, 2009 10:51 PM | Link to this

Mark my words. This bill will NEVER EVER go through as written. Texting is one thing, but too many people like to use their cell phone for calls while driving. More important….too many influential lobbyists like to use their cell phone for calls while driving.

By david

August 6, 2009 10:04 PM | Link to this

I think anything that distracts you from operating your vehicle safely is already included in the law. I see people eating, on cell phones, putting on make-up, slapping their kids all day long. Just enforce the laws on the books already. Don’t distract your legislator from raising our taxes and giving it to the corrupt bankers.

By fatherdiedfromcelluser

August 6, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this

I have been wondering when someone would wake up and realize that something needs to be done about this. It is getting worse daily. My Dad was killed 3 1/2 years ago by a 50 year old very affluent man that was simply reaching down to answer his ringing cell phone and ran a red light. He t-boned my Dad and killed him instantly. It takes one simply split second/instant and someone’s life is taken due to a stupid phone call or text message that could have waited 1-3 minutes. Does someone’s life really mean less than a phone call? Think about how this would affect you or your family if one of your loved ones were killed so foolishly. It wasn’t due to drinking, drugs or bad weather, just a ringing cell phone. Wake up people, it may be you next! Do you want that weighing on your mind??? I miss my Dad daily and a mindless act took him away from us.

By Jim

August 6, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this

Almost everyday I see someone swerve, sit at a light that’s turned green, cross lanes, drive too slow, etc, etc, because they’re gabbing away, totally engrossed with their phone conversation. Save the small talk till you’re parked.

By the Chief

August 6, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this

Amazing how all you mindless twits have rights. Unfortunately you also have the right to vote and we have 3 1/2 years of the Obamanation. Just drive the damn vehicle.

By jim

August 6, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

if i am t boned by a texter i assure you they will not survive.

By Jill

August 6, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this

Boy, the hue and cry going on against banning cell phone usage while driving should only make us realize more than ever how much it should be banned! I’m stunned at how many on here feel confident that THEY can remain undistracted and alert operating a 2 ton vehicle while texting/yapping. Who are you kidding? The more you think you’ve got it under control, the more dangerous you are. Because you don’t recognize it, there has to be a law. Grow up, put down the phone and drive.

By painfultruth

August 6, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this

Next week the Ohio Senate votes on a law that bans occupants from farting in your car. Now, THAT’S a law long overdue! YAY!

By RM25483

August 6, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this

Consider the amount of time, money, and manpower put into this bill already. Those resources could have been used to install transponders for miles and miles along US-35. Then you can be as distracted as you wish or sleeping and let the computer follow the transponders and mm-wave radar control the gas and brakes. What a waste.

By pappaw

August 6, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this

There are some real ignorant people out that should not be driving due to these comments here! Wake up America! We need this law because some of you can’t monitor yourselves!

By BigJack

August 6, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

Do we really need another law? Really? We already have laws against distracted driving, let’s just enforce those, eh?

By Cell Phone user

August 6, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this

It will aways be something. We have laws against Drinking and driving and how much has that really stopped anyone. He$$ cops talk on their cellphones just as much if not more that most good luck inforcing this new law if it passes. I use a Bluetooth when on the cell phone.

By Kurt

August 6, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this

This will be a stupid law. I have texted and driven for over 10 years with no accidents. There are places that you can not text, like Downtown, and places that it is fine, like US35 East of Xenia. How are you going to differentiate between somebody using their phone for GPS/directions, or changing the music on the iphone? Let’s just outlaw listening to music, and using any navigation devices at the same time. While we are at it, let’s outlaw children riding in the car, and eating/drinking while driving, and talking to other people in the car. Finally, if this law does pass, you should make it applicable to everybody, including police officers. People need to think when they drive. It is not the fault of the phone.

By duane eaton

August 6, 2009 8:57 PM | Link to this

all the cell phone whiners will say but it is an emergency. if that’s the case you should be driving to it not talking on the phone.

By Rudi

August 6, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this

That would mean cops couldn’t look at their computer’s while on duty and driving also. Are we allowed to pull them over. I am for texting only.

By amen

August 6, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

all i have to say is its about time somebody took the blinders off and see it for what its worth, there really is a GOD amen, Can i get a amen from my brothers and sisters?i didnt think so.

By sc

August 6, 2009 8:40 PM | Link to this

Cops have to use computers in their cars so that would not apply

By Mike

August 6, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this

That would take another rightaway from us

By Sam

August 6, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand everybody getting all upset about this. Hands free will still be allowed and is the only way that I’ll talk and drive now, so no big deal. But for some reason people for the most part become rude idiots when they put the phone up their ear and either drive way too slow, way too fast and tend to ignore general traffic safety. People have forgotten that driving is a PRIVILEDGE, not a RIGHT, and should treat it as such. Just pay attention to what you’re doing - driving - and not the phone on your ear. If you want to talk, go hands free. Just like talking to the person in the next seat - no big distraction and it frees both your hands.

By painfultruth

August 6, 2009 8:16 PM | Link to this

K man G, what about all of those like myself that report drunk drivers, house fires, altercations and police in danger? My civic duty ends at the point of a cell phone ban. See a house on fire at 3 AM or a cop in trouble? Oh well, $uck$ to be them! Will I feel bad about not reporting something? Nope. Let Nanny Ohio solve EVERYTHING! No longer my problem or responsibility… Stop penalizing intelligent people that act responsibly? Oh, that wouldn’t be FAIR - PENALIZE EVERYBODY!

By painfultruth

August 6, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this

Even with the option to use hands- free, who is this law kidding? Speeding or drunk driving only count IF YOU GET CAUGHT. People drive under suspension all the time. Just keep your eyes out for a cop, and then put down your phone. The “law” will be virtually unenforceable. I agree with texting while driving bans, HOWEVER, what about people trying to read maps, people with dogs on their laps, eating, drinking? SIEG HEIL OHIO! NO SMOKINK! NO STRIPP KLUBS! NO GAMBLINK! NO CELL PHONES! Hans, get me zee red-hot poker, SCHNELL! Vee haff VEYS to make you BEHAVE! Now, enjoy your shrinking freedom! (And watch out for the new tracking devices on 2009 cars. The FBI and CIA tracks all your movements! They KNOW if you’ve been naughty, they KNOW if you’ve been nice!) Don’t laugh too hard, it’s COMING!!!

By K man G

August 6, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this

I sure hope this passes.It’s about time.Those of you who don’t favor this bill would surely change your minds if one of your loved ones gets killed by a cell phone driver. And also,stop being rude in public with your cell phone,talking loud like you’re someone important…you’re NOT. Put your phone away while checking out at the store. How very rude. You look like the jacka## that you really are.

By Chris

August 6, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

Would this include the car radio, after all they DJ’s are communicating, right?

By Thomas

August 6, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this

While I understand the need to control texting (as some take their eyes off the road to do this) I personal don’t believe talking on the phone warrants a ‘pull over’. People have been talking via. CB radio forever. On another note, does this bill exclude cops from using laptops that are hooked up for them to use? people who use GPS devices? Wait, maybe they should ban the radio too….. I mean, you get distracted changing the station…. or maybe having a person riding “shotgun” since most of the time they are TALKING to you too…. this bill is dumb, and any idiot who supports it I hope gets caught cheating the bill they support….

By DDN Reader

August 6, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this

If you read the actual bill, which is linked in the article, this isn’t so restrictive. Several items are excluded, including hands-free use of the cell phone: (B) Division (A) of this section does not apply to any of the following: (1) A person using a mobile communication device that is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free operation, and is used in that manner while driving;

By Stop the insanity

August 6, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

Driving is not brain surgery. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to talk and drive. It’s the same as talking to your passenger. I’m sick of the double-digit IQ mouth-breathers dictating laws and policies in this country.

By Kim

August 6, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this

While I don’t like government interference, I saw the CNN report and video footage showing drivers texting while driving and how quickly an accident can occur. Also, I was involved in an accident with a texter a couple years ago! I’m not in favor of cell phone bans IF someone can talk hands-free, but the texting needs to stop! There is too much evidence showing it’s dangers!

By painfultruth

August 6, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this

Ohio is becoming THE nanny state. If they pass this one, I’ll still talk on my cell phone. I’ve got SYNC, and talk hands-free. What’s next nannies, banning conversations with passengers…or banning all passengers, radio, billboards, street signs, addresses, signs on businesses? This started with the smoking ban, and I told EVERYONE this was a slippery slope. You got what you asked for, you mindless idiots!

By jack

August 6, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this

The bill should be passed with an admendment stating you can not be behind the wheel during drive time . Stop the car put in neutral and push it…much safer…I miss my country!

By jack

August 6, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this

The bill should be passed with an admendment stating you can not be behind the wheel during drive time . Stop the car put in neutral and push it…much safer…I miss my country!

By jack

August 6, 2009 6:45 PM | Link to this

The bill should be passed with an admendment stating you can not be behind the wheel during drive time . Stop the car put in neutral and push it…much safer…I miss my country!

By technology

August 6, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this

I can understand texting, but not general cell-phone use. I don’t see a difference between a cell-phone and the old CB radio. Why was there no uproar over those? Were people simply better drivers back then? Almost everyone had one and they never caused any difficulty. Texting is problematic, but cell-phones are not.

By ricardo

August 6, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this

The Ohio legislature has it right on this one. If you’re driving a 2 ton (or more) hunk of metal around that could maim or kill someone in an instant - you should be responsible enough to pay attention to what you’re doing. If you don’t value the safety of others, at least protect yourself. The reason the state would need to pass such a law is because many people don’t use common sense these days.

By Don

August 6, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this

how about we include the people that drive around with their pets in their lap? You cannot tell me that is not a distractor also. I say that cell phones are ok to use IF you are using a bluetooth device in your ear but texting definitely needs to be banned. You CANNOT look at the keyboard to text and lok at the road at the same time.

By Lost Freedom

August 6, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this

We’ve got to stop this bill. Ban texting OK, Cell phones I think not. Next will be radios, cd players, eating, drinking, smoking ect. The governement is trying to control everything. I guess we have to pull off the interstate to answer or make a call. Talk about road hazard!

By Alissa

August 6, 2009 6:08 PM | Link to this

Does this include businessmen and women,police officers,fir depts.,lawyers,judges,etc. you get the picture.

By Phil

August 6, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this

About FREAKIN TIME,I drive a lot every time you look around there is somebody swerving etc.Most of them have a cell phone stuck in there ear or looking down to text.I am 61 & I do not want want to get killed by some lov sick kid looking for his or her lost love,or by some soccer mom talking about how many times she had to change little Jhonys diapers!!!!

By Jim

August 6, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this

I hope this passes. I’m sick of inattentive drives gabbing away and not paying attention to the roads. I have seen weaving, erratic driving many times due to cell use.

By Say yes to cellphone

August 6, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this

Does that also include the police officers using their cell phones while driving? Does that mean I can pull them over and make a citizens arrest or give them a ticket for using their cell phones. Texting ban ok; Cell phone ban while driving NOT Last time i checked I lived in the USA not Russia

By Jim

August 6, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this

Spenser, You’re wrong. You cannot text and drive at the same time without putting yourself and other innocent drivers in harms way. Text messaging while driving impairs your driving ability much like alcohol. If you don’t believe me, research it yourself.

By Doug

August 6, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this

Great. Just what I wanted from my elected officials. Them telling me how I can and can’t drive my car. When will they put a ban on eating while driving? Or singing along to the radio and driving. I think there are more pressing issues in Columbus that need to be addressed. Why did it take 6 months to pass a budget but 1 week to pass this bill? I hope the Senate stops this!

By Doug

August 6, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

Great. Just what I wanted from my elected officials. Them telling me how I can and can’t drive my car. When will they put a ban on eating while driving? Or singing along to the radio and driving. I think there are more pressing issues in Columbus that need to be addressed. Why did it take 6 months to pass a budget but 1 week to pass this bill? I hope the Senate stops this!

By Spenser

August 6, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this

I’m 19 years old, and I think that this bill shouldn’t be passed because how are you going to track down every person that texts while driving? Come on, People should use common sense when they drive, Some drivers can text and drive because they pay attention to what’s around them, but, other’s do not. How are you going to track down every driver that texts and talks on the phone? We need to keep in contact with our family and friends.