MANTUA, Ohio -- It might go without saying, but holding an animal while driving isn't too safe.
One Ohio town now will make it a misdemeanor.
Beginning Dec. 20, a distracted driving law will go into effect in the village of Mantua, going well beyond the usual no texting or perusing the internet. Drivers will be barred from holding "an animal or allow an animal to distract their ability to operate a motor vehicle safely," the police department wrote on its Facebook page.
It remains a-OK to make a phone call using a hands-free or a Bluetooth device.
New Distracted Driving Law in Mantua.Effective December 20, 2018, a New Distracted Driving law will go into effect in...
The first offense is a minor misdemeanor. Any additional conviction within a year or if a crash involves a person or property will result in a third-degree misdemeanor.
"So, put down your phone. Keep your animals under control in your vehicle. And, keep your eyes on the road," the department wrote.
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