COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two years after Ohio’s strengthened distracted driving law took effect, state officials report a significant reduction in crashes, injuries, and fatalities, highlighting the impact of the “phones down” legislation during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Signed by Gov. Mike DeWine in 2023, Senate Bill 288 made using handheld electronic devices while driving a primary offense. Since its implementation in April 2023, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reports an 8% drop in average crashes, a 3% decrease in injuries, and a 4% decline in traffic fatalities.
Data from Cambridge Mobile Telematics shows a roughly 10% reduction in cell phone use among drivers participating in safety or insurance discount programs, saving an estimated $337 million in economic damages.
“We’re seeing progress, but there’s still work to be done,” DeWine said. “Distracted-driving crashes are preventable, and I urge drivers to stay focused.”
Last year, Ohio recorded 8,571 distracted-driving-related crashes, resulting in 29 deaths and 4,458 injuries. Thirty-six percent of these crashes occurred at intersections, underscoring the need for vigilance in high-traffic areas.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has intensified enforcement, with Colonel Charles A. Jones noting, “The hands-free law is saving lives, but every driver must take responsibility.”
Crashes peak during weekday afternoon commutes and weekends after 10 a.m., with younger male drivers, particularly those 35 and under, accounting for 60% of incidents from 2019 to 2024. Most crashes occur on roads with 35 mph speed limits, while fatalities are highest on 55 mph roads. Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Franklin, Montgomery, and Lucas counties reported the most distracted-driving crashes from 2020 to 2024.
Fines start at $150 and can reach $500, doubling in work zones. An at-fault crash raises insurance premiums by an average of $1,110 annually, according to NerdWallet.
Over 25,000 drivers have completed Ohio’s online distracted-driving safety course since October 2023, with completions highest in Columbus, Toledo, and Cincinnati. The free course, offered by the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, allows first-time offenders to reduce fines and points.
Officials urge drivers to eliminate distractions by relying on passengers for tasks like texting or navigation and to delay non-essential activities until safely stopped.