Ohio Distracted Driving Law Works, According to Data

[October 16, 2024]

Traffic crashes in Ohio significantly decreased in the year since enforcement of the strengthened distracted driving law began.

Local peace officers and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) began enforcing the new distracted driving law in October 2023, following a six-month grace period for motorists. The law prohibits all drivers, in most circumstances, from using or holding a cell phone or electronic device while driving. 

According to preliminary data from OSHP, there were approximately 1,112 fewer distracted driving crashes in Ohio from October 5, 2023, to October 4, 2024, compared to the 12 months prior. Fatal crashes attributed to distracted driving dropped 19.4%. 

The impact of the new law is also reflected in the overall decrease in crashes in Ohio, supporting the theory that drivers don't always admit to driving distracted before a collision. Preliminary data from OSHP shows that from October 5, 2023, to October 4, 2024, there were nearly 15,400 fewer motor vehicle crashes compared to the 12 months prior. The total number of traffic fatalities also dropped with 138 fewer people killed. 

Under Ohio’s new law, using a cell phone or other electronic wireless communications device is considered a primary traffic offense for all drivers, allowing law enforcement to pull over a distracted driver immediately when they witness a violation. First-time offenders are subject to a $150 fine and two points assessed to their driver’s license. Fines and points increase for repeated violations.

More resources on the law and tips to stop distracted driving are available at phonesdown.ohio.gov.