Yesterday, the Pima County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a ban on using cell phones and similar devices while driving. This prohibition is only applicable in Pima County and goes into effect June 16th, 2016.

The idea of a statewide ban has been bouncing around for years, but nothing has passed. State Senator Steve Farley, D-Tucson, has introduced bills to ban texting statewide several times, but they have failed. Arizona and Montana are the only two states left with no type of all driver ban on texting and driving.

The new county ordinance prohibits the use of handheld electronics while operating a motor vehicle, with some exceptions.

Devices such as cell phones are allowed if the vehicle is on private property or is stationary, or if the driver is an emergency responder or transit vehicle, driver.

Drivers caught violating the law are subject to a penalty of $100. The fine would go $250 if the driver were involved in a collision. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, there were about 29,400 crashes on Arizona state highways in 2015. Distracted driving played a role in 2,729 of them.

Distracted driving accidents involving texting don’t have to happen. If we can stop the behavior, hopefully, fewer collisions will occur. Drivers who routinely text and drive may change their behavior if there are financial consequences.

Hopefully, shining a spotlight on texting and driving will make drivers more likely to put their phones down when behind the wheel.

Oro Valley is considering a ban, and the city of Tucson has one in place. Perhaps our State legislators will take a cue from these towns and counties and move in the right direction.

Pima County has taken a stand, and it matters.

The ball is in your court, Arizona legislators, are you listening?