Local peace officers and the Ohio Highway Patrol began enforcing Ohio’s new distracted driving law in October 2023, following a sixmonth 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 OHP, there were approximately 1,112 fewer distracted driving crashes from October 5, 2023, to October 4, 2024, compared to the 12 months prior.
Fatal crashes attributed to distracted driving dropped 19.4 percent.
The impact of the new law also is reflected in the overall decrease in crashes in Ohio, supporting the theory that drivers do not always admit to driving distracted before a collision.
The data for the same time period also shows there were nearly 15,400 fewer motor vehicle crashes compared to the 12 months prior.
The total number of traffic fatalities dropped with 138 fewer people killed.
“This is exactly what we expected would happen,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Ohio’s tougher distracted driving law is influencing better behavior behind the wheel, leading to fewer crashes and fewer deaths. Together, we are promoting a culture of responsibility on our roads, and that’s truly something to celebrate.”
