How often have you been behind a person that is driving like a complete jackass?  Said person is slowing down, then speeding up, then crossing the center line, and is not paying attention to the traffic signals.  So when you finally pass said jackass and look over to the person to yell at them, you see that they are texting!  Eyes are clued to their stupid cellphone!  I am becoming pissed off just thinking about it.

Listen, we have all used or looked at our phones while driving our vehicles and that is a big problem.  My wife gets mad when she calls my phone ten times in a row while I am driving.  I refuse to answer it for two reasons, 1) no need to distract myself while driving and 2) I really don’t want to turn down my music in order to listen to my wife ask me what I want for dinner.   I tell my wife every time that I want lobster.  I have yet to have lobster for dinner.

Alright so here is what Ohio law says about Driving While Texting (O.R.C. 4511.204)

No person shall drive a motor vehicle on any street or highway while using a handheld electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication.

BUT the following does not apply to the above:

1)         A person using a handheld electronic wireless communication device in that manner for emergency purposes.  Think calling 9-1-1, police, EMT, fire department, etc.

2)        A person driving a public safety vehicle who uses a handheld electronic wireless communications device in that manner in the course of the person’s duties.

3)        A person using a handheld electronic wireless communications device in that manner whose motor vehicle is in a stationary position and who is outside a lane of travel.

4)        A person reading, selecting, or entering a name or telephone number in a handheld electronic wireless communications device for the purpose of making or receiving a telephone call.

5)        A person receiving wireless messages on a device regarding the operation or navigation of a motor vehicle; safety-related information, including emergency, traffic, or weather alerts; or data used primarily by the motor vehicle.

6)        A person receiving wireless messages via radio waves;

7)         A person using a device for navigation purposes.

8)        A person conducting wireless interpersonal communication with a device that does not require manually entering letters, numbers, or symbols or reading text messages, except to activate, deactivate, or initiate the device or a feature or function of the device.

9)        A person operating a commercial truck while using a mobile data terminal that transmits and received data.

10)      A person using a handheld electronic wireless communications device in conjunction with a voice-operated or hands-free device feature or function of the vehicle.

Wow…ten exceptions to the Driving While Texting law.  After all, checking the weather alerts on your smart phone is more important than watching the damn roadway.  If there are dark skies all around and there is a torrential downpour you don’t need to check your phone to figure out if there are any possible weather alerts.  Get off the road, seek shelter, and then check your smartphone.  But what the hell do I know.

I recommend that you utilize the third exception of getting off the roadway to text your friends, look at a funny video on Facebook, or take a car selfie for Instagram.

In closing, please don’t text and drive!  If it is an emergency text or call, pull your car over if you are able to.  Remember that you are driving a 4,000 pound weapon.