Oro Valley’s Push for Safer Roads
Every day, as we hustle to the grocery store for a pint of ice cream, drop the kids at school, or dash to the bank, we catch glimpses of drivers glued to their phones. It’s a worrying sight, isn’t it? Just thinking about the potential dangers makes you uneasy, whether you’re behind the wheel or walking along the street.
This issue hits home for me, as I’m responsible for the safety of our Oro Valley community. Every accident affects me deeply, and nothing is more tragic than a fatality. The safety of our residents and visitors is my top priority because everyone deserves to drive to the store or the doctor without fear. Traffic safety is an essential part of our quality of life.
I’m heartened by the Arizona state legislature’s progress toward a state-wide hands-free law. Here in Oro Valley, we’ve been ahead of the curve. For over two years, we’ve enforced a hands-free ordinance. This didn’t happen overnight; it required a lot of education and outreach. Thankfully, our residents understand its importance.
Tragedy often brings urgency to good ideas. The recent loss of Salt River police officer Clayton Townsend near Scottsdale is a painful reminder. Hearing his family speak of their grief was heartbreaking and underscores the need for action to prevent such tragedies.
We know distractions won’t vanish entirely. In today’s world, phones are a big part of our lives. But the hands-free law aims to keep phones out of drivers’ hands, so they can stay focused on the road.
When we started exploring this idea, the Oro Valley Police Department believed a hands-free ordinance was the best solution. It’s not about banning phone use completely; it’s about keeping hands on the wheel. We’ve seen progress, with officers reporting fewer drivers holding phones. Of course, some hide their phones when they spot a patrol car. Recently, an officer in an unmarked vehicle stopped three drivers using phones within minutes.
Let me emphasize—this isn’t about writing tickets or making money. It’s solely about safety. Laws are most effective when everyone follows them, and a state-wide statute would benefit both law enforcement and the public.
Currently, 21 jurisdictions in Arizona have hands-free rules. This can confuse drivers as they move between towns with different laws. That’s why I support State Senator Kate Brophy McGee’s push for a state-wide hands-free law. It’s about consistency and clear communication. When Clifton updated their statute to mirror ours, they even copied our signage, just changing the town name. Clear communication is key.
Ultimately, our goal is simple: we want everyone to get home safely, whether they’re grabbing ice cream, heading to school, or catching a movie. Surely, that’s something we can all get behind.
*By Daniel Sharp, Oro Valley Police Chief – Explorer Newspaper, 2/20/19*
Sources
– [Explorer Newspaper](#)