Mary Lightbody
Ohio crash data points to need for traffic safety improvements
Ohio is on pace for another high year for traffic fatalities in 2021, though the state is seeing some improvement in the number of crashes caused by distracted driving. State lawmakers are considering a number of traffic safety improvements meant to cut down on the number of crashes and deaths on Ohio roadways. Among them […]
DeWine proposes ‘Hands-Free Ohio’ legislation targeting distracted driving
Gov. Mike DeWine is taking a “hands-on” approach in tackling the issue of distracted driving by promoting his vision of a “Hands-Free Ohio.” The governor is supporting a new proposal that would outlaw the use of wireless devices while driving. The plan is meant to target drivers’ cell phone usage in a state which has […]
Dem wants drivers to keep their eyes on the road
It wasn’t that long ago, Rep. Mary Lightbody pointed out to her colleagues, that cell phones had one basic use — for calling people. The Westerville Democrat showed them her old flip phone for emphasis. No apps, no autocorrect, just phone calls and a T9 texting service about as convenient as using carrier pigeons. Things […]
Lightbody introduces bill to ban conversion therapy
A Democratic Ohio state representative has introduced legislation that would ban the use of conversion therapy for treating minors, a press release said Tuesday. The process of conversion therapy is considered emotionally traumatic and has been linked to higher rates of suicide and depression, according to the American Psychological Association. State Rep. Mary Lightbody, D-Westerville, […]
Ohio House members propose bill to address toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
Two Ohio House Democrats have introduced legislation that would crack down on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class of chemicals known as PFAS that are said to cause serious health problems. State Reps. Allison Russo, D- Upper Arlington, and Mary Lightbody, D-Westerville, last week announced the introduction of The Safe Drinking Water Act. The bill […]
National report finds Ohio lagging in traffic safety laws
As Ohio looks at more potential distracted driving legislation, a new study says the state needs to do more to help protect drivers. The policy alliance Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety released a nationwide report on the state of safety laws in each state, and came up with recommendations for laws that need to […]
Distracted driving bill seeks to strengthen current law
Sharon Montgomery was riding home on a Mount Vernon road after having dinner for her husband’s 51st birthday, when her life and its mission changed forever. It was on that road 19 years ago that she and her husband, John, passed through an intersection at the same time a driver flew through the same intersection, […]
Bill would allow Ohio drivers to be pulled over for cell phone use
A Democratic Ohio House member introduced legislation Tuesday that would make using cell phones while driving a primary offense, meaning law enforcement would be able to pull over drivers they observe using them. Currently, this is a secondary offense, meaning the driver would have to be pulled over for a separate offense before being dinged […]