Drivers to be Cited if Unsafe Behind Wheel

FORSYTH, MISSOURI - The Board of Aldermen approved a number of bills on first reference Monday, including a new ordinance that would allow officers to cite motorists if they act with “criminal negligence” due to inattentive driving.

The ordinance itself is fairly broad. It covers distraction due to use of a cellphone or other electronic device, passengers or consumption of food or drink.

“I don’t know of any other law in the state that’s quite like this one,” said Police Chief Jack Gates, who supports the ordinance.

Both Gates and Mayor Ron Potter, who introduced the bill, said the proposed ordinance is aimed at decreasing the number of wrecks and motor vehicle fatalities due to inattentive driving.

According to Potter, an estimated 55 percent of motor vehicle crashes in the Forsyth area last year were linked to distracted driving, typically related to cellphone usage.

In about half of those cases, inattentive driving was confirmed to have been the cause by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Potter said. He added that Forsyth is above the national average in inattentive driving motor vehicle incidents by an estimated 8 percentage points.

 “The rate is climbing,” Potter said. “I think we need to send a message. ... We could reduce accidents by up to half by doing this. That’s huge.”

Gates said there have not been any motor vehicle fatalities related to distracted driving in Forsyth in several years.

The ordinance will take effect immediately, if it is passed at the board’s next meeting in March. Potter said the penalty would be a fine of $35-$500, which would be up to the discretion of Forsyth Municipal Judge Eric Eighmy.

By: Tyler Francke, Branson Ti-Lakes News