At a time when the dangers of distracted driving are becoming better understood, we know how easily a car accident can be caused by distracted driving. Ideally, we would like to see that this message is getting through to our law enforcement officers. However, police in Reading, Ohio are investigating one of their own who was photographed while using his knees to steer his marked squad car while texting a message on his cell phone.

The officer was photographed while driving in heavy traffic northbound on Interstate 75. According to the citizen who supplied the photo in an e-mail to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the officer was traveling about 45 mph down the highway. Honking the car horn failed to distract the officer whose attention remained focused on the phone.

The Reading police chief indicated than an internal investigation into the matter was begun after the email was received about the incident. The investigation is in the early stages of getting underway. Apparently, no one is completely sure of the identity of the officer in question.

The chief is serious about resolving the complaint and has asked for any available surveillance video that might have recorded the incident. Saying that he doesn't want to make false accusations, the chief insisted the complaint is not going to be overlooked.

Police policy in Reading does allow officers to use a cell phone if their patrol cars are parked. They may also use their cell phones if the phone is in the hands-free mode or if they keep at least one hand on the wheel when driving down the road.

The police chief pointed out that if the officer was stalled in traffic and was texting, then that would be different than if the patrol car was moving and the officer was texting, which is a clear violation of department policy.

If identified, the officer could face a written reprimand along with remedial training.

Source: Cincinnati.com, "Officer investigated for texting and driving," Jennifer Edwards Baker, Aug. 26, 2011