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Should Arizona ban texting while driving?

Posted at 5:50 PM, Jun 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-22 08:12:28-04

It is an issue that has plagued Arizona for years, texting while driving. 

Crash data from the Arizona Department of Transportation indicates someone is killed in a crash every nine hours in Arizona. 

POLL: Should Arizona ban texting while driving? Vote here

Since Operation Safe Roads started, many viewers have reached out to ABC15 to find out what is being done about distracting driving and texting in Arizona.

State Senator Lisa Otondo said Arizona is one of only two states in the nation that does not ban texting while driving. A recent bill to ban texting never even made it to a vote. 

"Many people are not supporting it because they believe it's a personal liberties issue, " Sen. Otondo said. 

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey did sign a law into effect in 2017 that put a texting ban in place for teenage drivers as a secondary offense.

RELATED: Arizona road safety advocates pushing for stricter texting ban while driving

At least nine Arizona cities and two counties have passed a cell phone hands-free ordinance in their jurisdiction.