It only takes a second. A driver looks down to change the radio station or turns around to talk to a child in the backseat and suddenly they look up and realize they've crossed the median. While distractions while driving are nothing new, the proliferation of cell phone usage by drivers has become one of the leading causes of car and truck accidents. Especially dangerous is the act of texting while driving, which is why Ohio recently joined 39 other states in banning texting by drivers.

Surrounded by family members of individuals killed as a result of texting while driving, Ohio's Gov. John Kasich recently signed the bill banning texting that will go into effect this fall. Armed with alarming statistics showing drivers who text are 20 times more likely to be involved in a car accident, supporters of the measure hope this law will deter drivers from texting and help save lives.

Once the law goes into effect, individuals found to be texting while driving will face a fine of $150 and have their license suspended for 60 days. Repeat offenders are subject to a $300 fine and can lose their license for one year.

While supporters of banning texting while driving believe the law to be an important first step, some are disappointed, believing the fines and penalties should be much stricter. While the law regards texting while driving a primary offense for minors, the act is only a secondary offense for adult drivers. This means a police officer must first pull a driver over for a primary offense like speeding before they can be charged with texting while driving.

Source: The Columbus Dispatch, "Kasich signs, texting-while-driving ban into law," Jim Siegel, June 1, 2012