COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reporting a decline in distracted driving violations since the implementation of stricter laws in April 2023.
Despite the positive trend, troopers remain vigilant in their efforts to keep roads safe and urge the public to stay focused behind the wheel.
Prior to the law change, which made it illegal to hold or use electronic devices while driving, over 7,000 distracted driving violations were recorded in Ohio. Following the implementation and the start of enforcement in October, that number dropped to slightly over 4,000 violations.
The Highway Patrol reminds everyone that driving requires full attention. Using electronic devices behind the wheel, even briefly, can have disastrous consequences. They encourage motorists to:
• Designate a passenger to handle communication and entertainment needs.
• Utilize hands-free technology if absolutely necessary.
• Pull over to a safe location if needing to use your phone for navigation or other purposes.
• Never text and drive.
The public plays a crucial role in keeping roads safe by reporting distracted driving they witness. If you see someone using a phone or other electronic device while driving, call #677 to report the violation.