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Ohio Department of Public Safety: Distracted driving in decline since new law took effect

A new law went into effect in Ohio on April 4, 2023 making distracted driving a 'primary offense'. Since then, there has been a 9% decrease.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine along with representatives from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) announced new data that shows a decline in distracted driving since the state's new law went into effect just over a month ago.

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The world's largest telematics service, Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), revealed their collected data from a study of drivers handling their phones while driving since the distracted driving law went into effect on April 4, 2023.

The law makes it illegal for drivers to hold a cell phone or electronic device while driving in most situations. Officers are now able to pull drivers over for violations if they witness on roadways.

CMT's data shows a significant drop in distracted driving, with a 9.1% decrease since the bill took effect. 

“Ohio’s new law went into effect a little over a month ago, and it’s already making a difference,” said Governor DeWine. “I’m glad to see that Ohio drivers are making safety a priority and putting their phones down while they drive.”

Based on distracted driving data before the bill took effect, a projected 540 crashes, one death and $13 million in economic damages have been prevented.

“We are pleased that Ohio drivers are taking this new law seriously and beginning to change their behavior, but there is still more work to do,” said Emily Davidson, executive director of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. “There is no acceptable level of distracted driving. This behavior is dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk. The goal is for all drivers to put their phones down for the entire time they are behind the wheel.”

CMT provided a chart to shows how much less Ohio drivers are interacting with their electronic devices over the past month.

Credit: Cambridge Mobile Telematics

“States that pass hands-free laws typically see a decrease in hand-held phone use and crashes. This data shows we’re on the right track to making our streets and highways safer in Ohio,” said Michelle May, manager of ODOT’s Highway Safety Program. “I believe more Ohioans will choose to put their phones downs as they learn about the new law and the dangers of interacting with their screens while driving.”

After the law became effective on April 4, a six-month grace period was established to issue warnings instead of citations to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving.

"We applaud The State of Ohio for their proactive approach to fight distracted driving and save lives on our roads," said Ryan McMahon, SVP of Strategy for Cambridge Mobile Telematics. “We’ve seen again and again how hands-free legislation raises awareness around the dangers of distraction and helps reduce drivers’ phone use. We’re encouraged by the 9.1% reduction in distraction we’ve seen after one month of the law being implemented in Ohio and are proud to supply road safety planners with the resources and insights needed to evaluate its impact."

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