COLUMBUS – One year after it went on the books, new data shows Ohio’s strengthened distracted driving law is making a difference on the state’s roads.
The law makes it illegal in most cases for drivers to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device.
Cambridge Mobile Telematics, the world’s largest telematics service provider, estimates that Ohioans are, on average, using their phones 13 seconds less per hour while driving than before the law took effect (see graph) and that has prevented 3,600 crashes and saved 17 lives.
“This new data is indisputable evidence that strong laws, strict enforcement, and public awareness are the keys to preventing crashes and saving lives. Ending distracted driving is a priority, and we are excited to see that we are on the right track to making our streets and highways safer,” Emily Davidson, Ohio Traffic Safety Office executive director, said.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month and Ohioans will start seeing more ads for the “Phones Down. It’s The Law.” campaign on television, radio ads, billboards, and social media.
“Most distracted driving can be attributed to cell phone use, and this new report shows that Ohioans are committed to reducing this dangerous behavior. Distracted driving puts everyone on our roads at risk, and it’s clear this new law is saving lives,” Gov. Mike DeWine said.
Ohio’s new law, Senate Bill 288, went into effect on April 4, 2023, and CMT’s phone motion data analysis shows an 8.6% decrease in distracted driving in Ohio since then.
The company estimates that reduction has helped prevent 3,600 crashes, 2,000 injuries, 17 fatalities, and $144 million in economic damages.
Prior to the time when the law started being enforced, Ohio drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 42 seconds interacting with their phones for every hour of driving (see graph).
In the second month after the law took effect, that figure dropped to 1 minute and 30 seconds of distraction and the state has seen a consistent month-over-month decline in distracted driving to 1 minute and 29 seconds by the 10th month, according to CMT’s analysis.