MANTUA, Ohio - A new distracted driving ordinance in Mantua, Ohio is making it illegal for drivers to hold their pets while operating a motor vehicle.
According to the Mantua Police Department, a violation of this law will be a minor misdemeanor for a first offense and if convicted of a second offense within one year, or if a violation of this ordinance causes a collision resulting in injury to any person, a misdemeanor of the third degree.
This law also pertains to texting and driving. Making a phone call with a hands free or bluetooth device is not against the law, police say.
According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, there were 3,450 people killed by distracted driving in the year of 2016.
"Sending or Reading a Text Message typically takes a driver's eyes off the road for around 5 seconds. At a speed of 55 Miles Per Hour, that's like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed," the Mantua Police Department said.
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