Ohio has seen a significant reduction in traffic crashes and fatalities in the year following the enforcement of a stricter distracted driving law. According to preliminary data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), there were 1,112 fewer distracted driving crashes between October 2023 and October 2024 compared to the previous year, with fatal crashes related to distracted driving decreasing by 19.4%.
The law, which prohibits drivers from using or holding a cell phone or electronic device while driving, has contributed to an overall decrease in motor vehicle accidents across the state. OSHP reports nearly 15,400 fewer crashes and 138 fewer fatalities during the same period.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine credited the law with driving better behavior behind the wheel. “Ohio's tougher distracted driving law is influencing better behavior behind the wheel, leading to fewer crashes and fewer deaths,” he said.
Law enforcement agencies, including local peace officers and the OSHP, began enforcing the law after a six-month grace period that ended in October 2023. Under this law, using a cell phone while driving is considered a primary offense, allowing law enforcement to pull over drivers immediately if they observe a violation.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) collaborated with Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) to monitor the impact of the new law through cell phone data. CMT reports that handheld phone use while driving has decreased by 10% among drivers participating in employer safety programs or insurance discount programs. CMT estimates the law has already prevented $283 million in economic damages.
“The data clearly shows the law is working, but we need to convince more Ohioans to put down their phones while driving,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn.
The law's intent is to foster long-term behavioral change. First-time offenders can have their fines and points waived if they complete an online distracted driving safety course. Approximately 15,000 people have taken the course in the past year.
“Ohio’s new law is not about collecting fines and punishing drivers. It’s about changing behavior,” said Andy Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
More information on Ohio’s distracted driving law and resources for drivers can be found at phonesdown.ohio.gov.
