COLUMBUS – Ohio’s new distracted-driving law appears to be making an impact.
Data released by the Departments of Public Safety and Transportation Wednesday shows motorists on the state’s roadways used their phones while driving 1 minute and 30 seconds, a nine-second drop from March.
The data included in a report from Cambridge Mobile Telematics the world’s largest telematics service provider, indicated a 9.1% reduction in distracted driving in Ohio from April 4, when the law took effect, through May 3. CMT’s analysis showed Ohio drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 39 seconds interacting with their phones for every hour of driving in March.
Officials say that helped prevent 540 crashes, one fatality, and $13 million in economic damages.
“Ohio’s new law went into effect a little over a month ago, and it’s already making a difference. I’m glad to see that Ohio drivers are making safety a priority and putting their phones down while they drive,” Gov. Mike DeWine said.
The law, signed by DeWine on Jan. 3, makes it illegal in most cases for drivers to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device. The violation is now considered a primary offense, meaning any officer can pull over a driver immediately if they witness a violation.
During a six-month grace period, law enforcement officers will be issuing warnings as part of the effort to