A law that prohibits texting while driving has gone into effect in Arizona.
The legislation, HB 2318, bans the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving a vehicle. It was signed into law by Governor Doug Ducey who was joined by members of the Arizona Legislature, law enforcement personnel and advocates of safe driving.
“Too many lives have been lost because of texting and driving,” said Governor Ducey. “Too many families have needlessly grieved the loss of a loved one due to a preventable tragedy. I called on legislators to provide a solution that will save lives — and I am grateful for their efforts to do just that. This legislation takes important, clear and common sense steps to prevent texting and driving. I thank everyone who worked to get this legislation across the finish line and especially the Townsend family for their courage and advocacy.”
Salt River Police Officer Clayton Townsend died in the line of duty in January 2019 after being struck by a vehicle driven by a distracted driver. Following Officer Townsend’s passing, the Townsend family joined many other families in becoming strong advocates for a ban on texting while driving.
“Distracted driving has to stop,” said Officer Townsend’s mother Toni Townsend. “Although we feel the pain everyday of losing Clayton, we hope that this much-needed reform can save the lives of countless others moving forward. I want to express my gratitude to Governor Ducey and to members of the Arizona Legislature for putting this ban on texting while driving on the books.”
