Like to text and drive?

Distracted driving could soon become a primary traffic offense inside the City of Willow Springs. The board of aldermen considered a draft ordinance at their April 18 meeting but did not take action that night. 

The proposed ordinance would prohibit drivers of all ages from using their phones in any way while driving. Intended to be a blanket prohibition, the draft ordinance also prohibits eating, grooming, or any other action that would distract the driver. As a primary offense, distracted drivers could be pulled over specifically for phone use or other distracted behavior. 

The State of Missouri currently has a statute prohibiting teenage drivers from using phones while driving, but this ordinance for the City of Willow Springs is intended to be stricter than the state law, said Alderwoman Kim Rich. 

Police Chief Wes Ellison presented data about the dangers of distracted driving, including:

- Missouri ranks among the top 10 of the most distracted driving states.

- Nearly 70% of drivers in Missouri traffic crashes were 22 years of age or older.

-In 2021, nine people per day died in distracted driving accidents – a total of 3,522 fatalities. 

The ordinance does not apply to any “hands-free” use of phones or vehicle features, such as Bluetooth or radio. 

“It’s not a witch hunt,” Chief Ellison explained. Traffic stops for distracted driving will be at officer discretion. For instance, drivers eating but not otherwise causing a traffic hazard are not what the police are looking for. 

“But if you’re eating a Big Mac, and swerving all over the road, that’s a different story,” Chief Ellison said. 

The alderman specifically tabled this discussion for the purpose of gathering feedback from the public prior to a vote. If you have strong feelings about this proposed ordinance, call Willow Springs City Hall at 417-469-2107. 

If you like to write a letter to the editor or speak to the publisher about this matter, contact the news office at 417-252-2123 or email editor@howellcountynews.com