Hub crackdown on texting drivers appeals to neighbors

After Boston’s City Council voted in favor of a driver’s texting ban last week, officials in Newton and Arlington are preparing to propose similar bans in their communities. The goal of the advocates is to pressure the Legislature to enact a statewide ban and educate people on the dangers of texting behind the wheel.

“We really want to push for this,’’ said Alderman at Large Ted Hess-Mahan of Newton, who said he will propose a texting ban in Newton by the end of the year for the Board of Aldermen to consider.

To pass a ban in Newton, aldermen and the mayor would have to sign off on the measure, which would then need approval of the Legislature.

Hess-Mahan said he’s been in contact with Boston City Councilor John M. Tobin Jr. about the ban the councilor proposed in Boston. And Tobin said he has also spoken with officials from Arlington, Quincy, and Worcester about the ban.

“I’m grateful for the communities that approached us,’’ Tobin said. “Let’s pile them up.’’

Under the Boston ban, which also needs the approval of Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Legislature, any driver who “sends, reads, or writes a text message’’ using a mobile phone or other wireless device other than a mounted global positioning system while the car is moving would be guilty of a civil law violation.

Police could stop drivers they spot texting, and drivers would face fines of $100 for their first offense, and $200 and $300 for second and third offenses in the same year.

The state Senate and House of Representatives have each approved bans on texting while driving, but the bills died before reaching the governor’s desk. Governor Deval Patrick has said he supports such a ban, but would need to see the specific piece of legislation before making a decision. Some legislators have opposed a ban, arguing that the state cannot legislate good driving, and others have argued that a ban should also include all use of cellphones while driving.

Senator Steven A. Baddour, chairman of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee, has said he is hopeful a statewide ban will pass next year.

But some municipal officials are not going to wait.

Diane Mahon, a selectwoman in Arlington, said she plans to submit a warrant article before the end of January asking Town Meeting to ban texting while driving in Arlington. Mahon said she wants the town to consider the ban if for no other purpose than to spark a discussion and educate people about the dangers of texting when they are behind the wheel.

But Mahon said giving police the ability to fine someone specifically for text messaging while driving might be the best way to teach a lesson.

“Sometimes people get the best message in the pocketbook,’’ Mahon said.

Arlington Police Chief Fred Ryan said most of the motorists he has seen texting are young people, and there is a need to educate drivers about the dangers of texting on the road.

“It’s a recipe for disaster,’’ Ryan said.

A ban on texting while driving would give police another tool to enforce traffic safety, but Ryan said police can already issue citations to drivers for impeded operation of a vehicle if they are caught texting.

“While we would never oppose a bylaw to add to our menu of offenses for which to charge someone who drives dangerously, there are already laws on the books to enable us to do so,’’ Ryan said.

Hess-Mahan said a law is needed that is “clearly defined’’ and puts motorists on notice that they will be ticketed for texting while driving. “I think it’s important to send the message to drivers, particularly young drivers,’’ Hess-Mahan said. “It takes your eyes off the road. It’s just inherently dangerous. There should be a bright line.’’