Texting while driving ban begins Friday - Hometownstations.com-WLIO- Lima, OH News Weather Sports

Texting while driving ban begins Friday

Allen East juniors Kenna Rice and Audra Leffler don't text and drive.  However, that doesn't mean their peers are as careful. But because of a new law, the teens are hopeful more of their classmates will think twice before texting.

"Everyone's been talking about it today," said Rice.  "You could lose your license over it.  It's pretty serious."

A statewide texting while driving ban goes into effect on Friday.  However, for drivers under 18 the ban goes beyond texting and driving. Using any electronic handheld device behind the wheel is off limits for teens.

For adults, a $150 fine can be issued.  For teens, the fine is also $150, but teens could also have their license suspended for 60 days.

Leffler doesn't understand the disparity.

"Everyone can do it, and everyone can cause and accident because of it.  So, everyone should get in trouble for it," said Leffler.

Troopers routinely investigate accidents caused by drivers typing, reading or sending a text message.

Sgt. Matt Schmenk, of the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol says he's come upon cars weaving.  At first, he'll suspect an intoxicated driver, but when he pulls up next to the car, sometimes the people are driving erratically because they're texting.

Ohio is the 39th state to enact a law that bans texting for all drivers.