CLEVELAND — It's been a year since Ohio's law making distracted driving a primary offense started being enforced, and the state's roads have been safer as a result, data shows.
Gov. Mike DeWine's office on Thursday shared preliminary data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol showing there were 15,400 fewer traffic crashes year-over year from October 2023 — when troopers and local police began issuing citations under the law after a six-month grace period — to October 2024, as compared to the period between October 2022 and 2023. In that same span, distracted driving crashes decreased by 1,112, and fatalities related to distracted driving dropped nearly 20%.
“This is exactly what we expected would happen,” DeWine said. “Ohio's tougher distracted driving law is influencing better behavior behind the wheel, leading to fewer crashes and fewer deaths. Together, we are promoting a culture of responsibility on our roads, and that’s truly something to celebrate.”
According to the OSHP, the drop in traffic crashes has resulted in 1,347 fewer injuries and 138 fewer deaths from 2023 to 2024 than the year prior.
“For too many drivers, a moment of distraction can lead to tragic outcomes,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, superintendent of the highway patrol. “Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road because it takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind away from driving. Even a momentary lapse in focus can have devastating results not only for the driver but for everyone else on the road.”
The law, which was enacted in April 2023, made distracted driving a primary offense, meaning officers did not need another reason to pull a driver over if they see them using a phone or handheld device. In the first six months after the law was enacted until October of last year, drivers who were pulled over on their cell phones were given a warning and educated on the new law.
This new law makes it illegal to “use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Ohio roads,” according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. Drivers are only allowed to use their phones in emergency situations, at a red light, or when holding the phone directly up to their ear.
First-time offenders are slapped a $150 fine and have two points assessed to their driver’s license, though they are also eligible to have fines and points waived if they complete an online course from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office.
“Ohio’s new law is not about collecting fines and punishing drivers. It’s about changing behavior,” said Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. “Public education and awareness are critical to the success of our strengthened distracted driving law.”
The data released Thursday is the latest batch of encouraging distracted driving statistics shared by the state after enacting the law. The state has already credited the law for a decrease in traffic crashes, citing data released in April.