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Council holds first reading on distracted‑driving penalties after pedestrian‑safety testimony
Summary
Council gave first reading to Ordinance C0625 to increase penalties for distracted driving and crosswalk violations that cause serious physical harm; a resident advocate urged higher fines and said she will attend the next public hearing.
Grove City Council held the first reading of Ordinance C0625, which would amend sections of Part 3 of the codified ordinances to increase penalties for distracted driving and for violations in a crosswalk that result in serious physical harm, including paralysis.
The ordinance was presented as a first reading; council did not vote on final adoption. Council staff indicated the second reading and public hearing are scheduled for March 25, 2025.
During public comment, Sandra (identified in the record only by first name) urged council to raise fines substantially and described personal experience with catastrophic injury. "A hundred and $50 is not enough. A slap on the wrist," Sandra said, arguing that higher penalties are needed to deter crashes that cause paralysis or death. She told council she will attend the second reading and is pursuing broader state action to raise penalties statewide.
Councilmembers and staff thanked the speaker and confirmed the ordinance will return for a second reading with the opportunity for additional public testimony.
