No Texting and Driving Ordinance Passes with a 5 to 1 Vote

San Angelo citizens, beginning this Saturday, Jan. 9, can no longer text and drive thanks to a 5-1 vote by City Council to add “Use of wireless communication devices,” which amends Chapter 10 “Traffic Control” of the Code of Ordinance.

Today was the second reading of the ordinance, but it was on the Consent Agenda for final approval.

Prior to the vote, Assistant Chief Jeff Fant, council members and the public had an opportunity to address the topic before the final approval.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Grindstaff, Single-Member District 5, said she didn’t have questions because she knew where she stood on the topic; however, she mentioned some citizens might, so she asked Fant to clarify some of the dos and don’ts of the ordinance.

Therefore, Fant explained people cannot text and drive.

“They can only use that feature during an emergency,” he said. This emergency would mean the person is in communication with appropriate responders.

Additionally, people are able to use their phones as a navigational device and to dial and answer their phones. The only thing “illegal” at this point is texting and driving and/or using applications; and, that does include being stopped at a light stop. People cannot text if they are stopped.

Fant added that with today’s approval, SAPD will send out a few press releases for the media to share with the public so they will know what and what is not allowed.

Also, previously, Fant said there was no fiscal impact to this ordinance, but he said, “I apologize. I spoke incorrectly about this not having a fiscal impact.”

In this case, Fant referred to the signage that will need to go around the city promoting the new law change.

“The cost is around $4,500,” said Daniel Valenzuela, city manager.

During the public comment section of the discussion, previous council member Paul Alexander, as promised, presented his issues with the ordinance.

“In this case, I want to make suggestions for improvement because I want it to be enforceable,” he told council members.

One of the small improvements Alexander mentioned is allowing people to respond to simple texts while stopped at a stop light.

In response to this, Councilman Rodney Fleming, SMD1, said, “Texting while at a stop light is a terrible idea. Even though you’re not moving, you’re driving.”

Beyond a few minor comments on emergency responders, council members and the public were comfortable with the passing of the ordinance.

However, when the final vote came, Marty Self, SMD2 voted “nay.” The vote passed 5 to 1. Charlotte Farmer, SMD6, was not present for the final vote.

With that being said, this Saturday marks the official start to the ordinance, but Chief Tim Vasquez and Fant said citizens will have a brief leeway to get on task with the ordinance. Vasquez will send out that specific timeframe; and as stated, Fant encouraged people to be on the lookout for more information specifically on what to expect.

To review previous discussions about the No Texting and Driving ordinance, click here and here.