TITLE
A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2024 AS DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA
BODY
WHEREAS, more than 3,000 people are killed in distracted driving crashes in the U.S. each year, and the economic toll of all motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. exceeds $400 billion annually; and
WHEREAS, distracted driving not only includes texting from behind the wheel, but also extends to activities such as reaching for your phone, adjusting a radio, taking a photo, programming GPS, grooming, and eating - all of which can result in physical or cognitive distraction; and
WHEREAS, Gahanna residents and all Americans deserve to live in communities that promote safe driving behaviors and healthy lifestyles; and
WHEREAS, since 2019, there have been over 57,000 distracted driving related crashes in the State of Ohio; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to combat distracted driving accidents, the State of Ohio enacted legislation in April 2023 that designates the use of cellphones or other electronic devices while driving - including merely holding the device - a primary offense for all drivers, and authorizes police officers to immediately pull over a distracted driver upon witnessing a violation; and
WHEREAS, the Gahanna Division of Police responded to 548 crashes in 2023, with 54 of them, or approximately 9.8%, involving some form of driver reported/known distraction; and
WHEREAS, to strengthen awareness of the impacts of distracted driving and further deter the use of electronic devices while driving, the City of Gahanna recently enacted legislation that increases penalties for a violation of distracted driving laws within city limits; and
WHEREAS, preventing distracted driving injuries and deaths requires the cooperation of all levels of government, employers and the general public, and the City of Gahanna remains committed to reducing distracted driving on our roadways and ensuring all citizens safe travel on our roadways; and
WHEREAS, Gahanna resident Sharon Montgomery has been a passionate and staunch advocate for pursuing legislation that prohibits distracted driving, and the City of Gahanna commends her contributions to legislation that was enacted both at the State level and in our City to enable the enforcement of distracted driving violations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL, AND PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR, OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That the City of Gahanna does hereby recognize April 2024 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month and urges Gahanna citizens and businesses to practice safe driving behaviors and pledge to drive distraction-free.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.